John Turner Stiles, son of Charles and Mary Murhouse (Selvey) Stiles, was born at St. Clairsville, Ohio, February 2, 1873. His mother was also born in St. Clairsville, while his father was a native of New Jersey. The mother's death occurred at Bellaire, Ohio, March 10, 1917; the father is still living. Our subject was one of six children in the family, two of whom are deceased: Lillian, who married John Ritter, is now deceased; Charles and William, in Lancaster, Ohio; Bessie, Mrs. J. Fortner, in Deposit, N. Y.; Osceola, who was Mrs. Warren Dixon, is deceased. July 14, 1895, Mr. Stiles was married to Anna Martin, daughter of John and Sara (Murrin) Martin, of Murrinsville, Pa. Mrs. Stiles had two brothers: George, deceased, and James, who for forty years has been with the H. K. Porter Locomotive works, Pittsburg, Pa. The fathers of both Mr. and Mrs. Stiles served in the Civil war, and each sustained serious injury. Mrs. Stiles' father died when she was a mere girl; the mother died in November, 1915, at Pittsburg. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiles: George Emery, James Martin, John Turner, who died December 21,1912; William Clifford, Anna Virginia, who died November 27, 1912; Thomas Benjamin, who died April 21, 1913; Warren Joseph, who died April 30, 1915; and Robert Paul. Three of the deaths occurred within a year - a particularly severe affliction. In 1911, the family moved to Middletown, when Mr. Stiles took a position at the American Rolling Mill company as roller and has since been steadily employed at that plant. The family has a comfortable home on Garfield avenue, where their friends are always given a cordial welcome. Mr. Stiles is a member

of Holy Trinity church and belongs also to the orders of the Eagles and Moose. He is liberal in politics.

Jacob Stock. During the '50s the Stock family located in the Miami valley. Industry, energy, honesty and fidelity, are some of the most marked characteristics of the Stocks, these qualities being especially prominent in the strength of character exhibited by Jacob Stock, of Wayne township. Mr. Stock was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 6, 1839, a son of Frederick and Louisa (Bessburd) Stock, natives of the same country, where they passed their entire lives. They were the parents of eight children, but only the following emigrated to the United States: Christian, who came in 1854 and first located at Seven Mile, Ohio, where he farmed until his removal to Nebraska, his death occurring in the latter state; Louisa, who married Henry Snively, came in 1854, and located at Seven Mile where both she and her husband died; Susan, who married Henry Schaefer and lived at Seven Mile, where both passed away; and Jacob. Jacob Stock was educated in the home schools of his native land, and was eighteen years of age when he came to America, where he had been preceded by his brother and sisters. In 1857 he commenced farming for Samuel P. Withrow, in Butler county, and later worked for Nathan Jacoby, but as soon as he was able to gather together sufficient funds he ceased working for others and became the proprietor of a rented farm. Thus established, Mr. Stock erected a home of his own by his marriage to Eva Eis, a daughter of John and Dorothea Eis. Mr. Eis was eight years of age when he came to the United States with his parents from Germany, while his wife was a native of Ohio. For fifteen years Mr. Eis worked in the Gebhart & Marshall foundry at Dayton, and when he heard the call of President Lincoln for troops, he enlisted in the Union cause, meeting a soldier's death two years later on the battlefield of Pea Ridge, his widow dying some time later at Dayton. They were the parents of three children: Mrs. Stock; Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of the late Bernhart Renheit; and William, of Chicago, Ill. After marriage, Mr. Stock located at Seven Mile for two years, subsequently spent a short period in Wayne township, and then went to near Somerville, on the county line, where he made his home for four years. He next spent two years on the Trace road on the old Snively farm, and one year on Robert Elliott's place, and finally purchased a farm of 124 acres in section 17, Wayne township. This land was in poor condition and the buildings and equipment badly run down, but Mr. Stock soon remedied matters and within a comparatively short space of time the land was producing large crops, the buildings were substantial and attractive, the equipment was modern in character and effective in use, and the whole breathed an air of prosperity that spoke volumes for its new owner. Mr. Stock continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits on this land until 1907, which had been increased to 211 acres, all located in sections 17 and 20, Wayne township. During his active years, Mr. Stock's business interests always claimed his attention and time, and through careful management, he overcame many obstacles and steadily worked his way upward until prosperity crowned his labors

with a fitting reward. He is a Democrat in his political views, and on several occasions was elected to township office. Mr. and Mrs. Stock were the parents of nine children: Jacob J.; Edward, a farmer near Trenton, Ohio, who married Maggie Hartman and has three children, Mabel, Elwood and Elmer; Catherine, who is single, and a member of the Dayton firm of Tiffany & company, ladies' wearing apparel; Louisa, deceased, who was the wife of George Shafer, of Lemon township; Christian, purchaser of the home farm in 1906 who married Cora F. Phares and has two children, Alma and Theresa; William, who is engaged in farming in Alabama; Callin, who married Smith Watkins, of Seven Mile, and has one son, Joseph George, bookkeeper in a bank at Portland, Ore., who married Eva Meyers; and Maude, for the past fourteen years bookkeeper with the Union Storage company of Dayton, and also identified with her sister Catherine in the Tiffany company business at Dayton. The children were all sent to the home schools and given the advantages of attendance at a business college. Jacob J. Stock, eldest son of Jacob Stock, was born on the old home place, January 8, 1870, and was twenty-six years of age when he embarked upon his independent career. He first rented land for about ten years, and in 1906 bought his present farm, which he has entirely remodeled and put into fine condition. Among the improvements installed have been a barn, 70x40 feet; a corncrib, 24x36 feet, and a garage, double hog shed and granary. In addition to his own home, which is lighted by the Delco system, he has a five-room tenant house. Mr. Stock raises Polled Durham and Shorthorn cattle, Duroc and Jersey Red hogs, Draft horses and mules and Wyandotte chickens, and feeds a good many cattle. He has always been a hustler and is justly considered one of the best farmers of his neighborhood, and one of the substantial men of his community, and his success is entirely the result of his own efforts. He has always been interested in politics, is a staunch Democrat and has served eight years as a member of the board of township trustees, a position in which he accomplished constructive results.

John C. Stout. Since 1911 the hardware and implement store of John C. Stout has occupied a position of importance among the business houses of College Corner, where it has grown and developed under the impetus formed by the enterprise, industry and good management of its proprietor. Mr. Stout, one of the live and energetic citizens of his community, for the welfare of which he has always been a constructive worker, also has other interests and at this time is the owner of an automobile business which he operates in conjunction with his hardware business. He was born April 29, 1871, at College Corner, a son of Ichabod and Jennie (Campbell) Stout, the former born near College Corner and the latter a native of this place, where she is still living. Ichabod Stout, who was one of the highly respected men of his community during his day, followed farming throughout his life, or until his retirement two years before his death, which occurred May 24, 1917. There were eight children in the family: John C., George, Arthur, Bertha, Harry, Fred, Ruth and Ralph, the last-named of whom was at the Great

Lakes Naval Training station, at Great Lakes, Ill. John C. Stout received a country school education and was reared as a farmer's son. Desiring a broader life than that offered by the agricultural atmosphere, he began selling grain and implements, and for a time operated what was known as the Rigsbee-Stout Elevator, at Bath, Ind., on the C. R. & M. railroad. After this he came to College Corner for E. C. Wright, and later became identified with the International Harvester company with which great corporation he was associated until starting his present hardware and implement business in 1911. From a modest beginning it has grown and flourished under his capable and energetic management, and at this time is one of the leading business establishments of this thriving community, commanding a patronage that extends far over the country. April 1, 1919, Mr. Stout became through purchase the owner of the garage next door to his place of business, which was formerly owned by Charles Kirk, and which was sold to College Corner Motor Sales company, August 8, 1919, and is being very largely patronized by the traveling public. Mr. Stout maintains an excellent reputation in business circles as a man of the highest integrity, and as a citizen his standing is equally high. He is affiliated fraternally with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and the members of his family belong to the Methodist church. In 1902 he was married to Miss Lorena Summers. They are the parents of five children: Reba, a pupil in high school; Irma and Thelma, attending the graded schools; Mary E., and Opal.

Harry Strauss, successfully engaged in the furniture business at Hamilton, has obtained a firm standing among the rising young merchants of the city, and this satisfying result has been attained through close attention to business, although he is of foreign birth and has been a resident of Hamilton only about ten years. His success is typical of the ability of his fellow-countrymen to accept the opportunities offered them in this country and to utilize them in a manner that results in the acquirement of honorable success. Mr. Strauss was born in Russia, in 1887, and received his education in his native land. There he became a merchant in a small way, but his opportunities for broadening the scope of his enterprise were limited, and he eventually decided to try his foretune in the United States, to which country he made his way as an emigrant in 1910. Locating at Hamilton, he embarked in a modest manner in the second-hand furniture and junk business, but after two years dropped the latter and began to add a stock of new furniture to his establishment. As his business prospered he added to his equipment and facilities, and in March, 1919, moved to the large three-story building at the corner of Third and Ludlow streets, where he has floor space of 36x60 feet, in addition to a store room on Ludlow street, 50x60 feet. He occupies two entire floors, devoted entirely to storerooms and salesrooms, and as soon as conditions permit will install elevator service, when he will open the third floor, also as a salesroom. At this time Mr. Strauss carries a complete line of furniture, carpets, rugs and linoleums, and is doing an excellent business.

His methods have gained him public confidence and a good patronage, and among his business associates and competitors he is recognized as a man of high principles and honorable methods. He is primarily a business man and has few outside connections. Mr. Strauss was married at Hamilton to Miss Esther Cohen, of Baltimore, Md., and they are the parents of four bright and interesting children: Israel, Sophia, Sarah and Ben. J.

Joseph L. Strauss, of Middletown, who has for a number of years been connected with the American Rolling mill plant, and who has also gained much more than a local reputation in the unique field of amateur photography, was born at Wheeling, W. Va., July 6, 1865, a son of William and Maria (Powers) Strauss, the former of whom is deceased, while the latter still survives. There were four children in the family: Joseph L.; Harry, who is deceased; William, a resident of Wheeling, W. Va., and Hester, the wife of Michael Burke of that city. The father of Mr. Strauss fought as a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, and his army experience doubtless had its effect upon his health, for he died not long after the close of that struggle, when his son Joseph was still a small boy. The latter had to be content with a common school education and he was still little more than a lad when he entered upon his apprenticeship to his trade. For a number of years he worked in various mills in different parts of the country, but eventually came to Middletown, where he entered the American Rolling mill, and has been employed by that concern ever since, at the present time filling the position of sheet roller. He is an industrious workman, a master of his trade, and a man who inspires confidence by his personality and character. He also has a brilliant intellect and much artistic taste, and these have assisted him to become something of a genius in the art of taking kodak pictures. He has developed his skill in this field to a point where he is able to compete with the most highly perfected, and recently in a contest held at the Ohio Mechanics institute, at Cincinnati, he won first prize with his pictures over a field of 250 competitors, among whom were a number of college men. Many of his best specimens adorn the walls of his beautiful home on Woodlawn avenue, recently purchased by Mr. Strauss. In politics he stands for principle, while his fraternal connection is with the local Odd Fellows lodge. November 23, 1887, Mr. Strauss married Minnie, daughter of George and Catherine (Kuhn) Weigand. She has two brothers and one sister: John and George Weigand, of Cincinnati; and Anna, the wife of John Fuehner, of Middletown. Four children have been born to this union: Anna and Joseph L., who reside with their parents; George, who is in the United States service; and Leonard, who married Edna, daughter of James and Annie (Nolan) Martin, and has one child, Leonard, jr. Mr. Weigand, who fought as a soldier during the Civil war, is deceased, having passed away September 1, 1892; but his widow still survives and makes her home at Middletown.

Charles H. Stricker, chief of police of the city of Hamilton, was born in this city September 25, 1874, a son of Frank and Lena Stricker, his father being a railroad man who followed that vocation

for many years. Charles H. Stricker attended the public schools of Hamilton, after leaving which he secured employment with the firm of F. & L. Kahn, where he learned the trade of stove moulder. After continuing with this concern for twelve years, Mr. Stricker established himself in business as the proprietor of a retail liquor establishment, but after four years disposed of his interests therein. June 10, 1908, he was appointed a patrolman on the police force of Hamilton, and in this capacity so thoroughly demonstrated his unusual capacity for all kinds of police work that six months later he was promoted to detective, and when the chief's office was left vacant, April 1, 1916, Mr. Stricker was appointed to the post, which he has since filled. His coolness and bravery as an officer and his skill as a detective has demonstrated a marked administrative ability and has instilled a new spirit of earnestness and reform into the service. Chief Stricker is a valued member of the Police Mutual Aid society and the West Side Mutual Aid society, and his fraternal affiliations include membership in the local lodges of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose. His political adherence is with the Democratic party, which he joined at the time of the attainment of his majority. With the members of his family he attends St. John's church, and has supported its movements liberally. Chief Stricker was united in marriage in 1896 with Catherine, daughter of Henry Wolf, of Hamilton, and to this union there have been born three children: Herbert, Adrain and Merle.

William Stringham has been actively associated with the American Rolling Mills company from the time this important iron and steel corporation initiated operations at its fine and extensive plant at Middletown, Butler county, in 1901, and since 1912 he has held the position of superintendent of the sheet-metal department. He has won secure vantage-ground as one of the broad-gauged and progressive citizens of Middletown, and formerly served as a member of the city council. Mr. Stringham was born December 1, 1875, at New Albany, Ind. In the public schools of his native town he acquired his youthful education, and in Indiana he served also the apprenticeship that eventuated in his becoming an expert artisan in the iron and steel industry. When the American Rolling Mills company established its modern manufactory at Middletown, in 1901, Mr. Stringham came here as one of the original corps of expert employees, and he continued his service as a roller in the mills until 1912, when he was advanced to his present responsible office, in which he has made an admirable record. His personal qualities and invariable fairness have gained and retained to him the confidence and high regard of the workmen, as well as the officials, of the company, in fact his genial personality wins him friends on every side. One who knows him well has stated succinctly that "Everyone who knows Bill Stringham trusts and likes him," and this is unequivocal commendation. He takes loyal interest in community affairs and is known for his civic liberality and progressiveness. He served four years as a member of the city council and has given his co-operation in the support of those measures and undertakings that have tended to advance the best interests of his home city. His political support

is given to the Republican party, he is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 27th of September, 1898, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stringham to Miss Catherine Elrick, daughter of David McCullough Elrick and Addie (Jameson) Elrick, of Alexandria, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Stringham have but one child, William, jr., who is a member of the class of 1920, in the Middletown High school.

John Henry Summers, the veterinary surgeon of Oxford, is a son of William and Isabelle (Long) Summers, and was born in Oswego, N. Y., November 28, 1872. His parents were natives of County Down, Ireland. William Summers was a successful and well-known landscape gardener, and was married to Isabelle Long in Oswego. To them were born the following children: William, Mary, John Henry, and Margaret. William Summers is a salesman for a Canandaigua, N. Y., concern. Margaret, now deceased, was married to Lawrence C. Fish, a Brooklyn attorney. William Summers the father, is now dead, but Mrs. Summers is living, and resides in Oswego, N. Y. John Henry Summers received his early education in the schools of Oswego, and later attended the Ontario veterinary college at Toronto, Canada. Upon completing his course there, he entered into practice at Liberty, Ind. In 1897 he came to Oxford, Ohio, and has practised here ever since. In 1914 he married Mrs. Fannie (Coleman) Alstaater, of Oxford, who died March 29, 1918. Dr. Summers is active in Odd Fellows' circles. During the World war he sacrificed a great deal of his time for war activities, being prominently identified with all the drives for loans, Red Cross memberships and contributions. He is a capable practitioner of veterinary surgery and medicine, and his humane work is of great value to the community.

W. K. Swan, was born on the old Swan homestead near Camden, Preble county, Ohio, the son of William and Anna Christine (Kramer) Swan. The latter was the daughter of Philip and Mary (Brudenburg) Kramer, formerly of Fredericktown, Md., subsequently coming to Ohio. The subject of this sketch can trace his ancestry back through successive generations to a period preceding the American Revolution. His father was born in Northumberland county, Pa., and his mother near Darrtown, Butler county, Ohio. They were the parents of two children, William K. and Mary. The latter was united in marriage to Leonard Logan, residing near Greensburg, Ind., and to them was born one son, Pane M. Logan. His paternal grandparents who were married June 10, 1777, were Joseph and Catherine (Denny) Swan. Joseph was born February 28, 1758, and died in August, 1826, while his wife was born in May, 1749, and died July 4, 1829. The preceding generation is represented by William Swan and Eleanor Chestnut, great-grandparents. William, their seventh child, who was born February 3, 1791, was married February 1, 1816, to Eliza Kerr, who was born February 2, 1786, and who died July 14, 1862. W. K. Swan attended district school and finished his education at Miami university. On leaving school, he took up farming in Preble county, Ohio, and was elected

state representative from Preble county. He was married February 26, 1890, to Angeline B. King, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Mountford) King. Sarah Mountford, mother of Mrs. Swan, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and was the daughter of William and Catherine Mountford, members of a distinguished Irish family. William Mountford and family settled in this country, coming to Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1843. The family consisted of eight children, as follows: Malcolm, William, Alexander, Samuel, Hugh, Mary, Martha and Sarah. The Mountford boys were active participants in the Civil war. Malcolm who served as corporal under Gen. Winfield Scott, was killed in January, 1862. To Charles and Sarah (Mountford) King, were born Angeline, wife of W. K. Swan; and Louise. The latter married Charles E. Moss and lives at Richmond, Ind. One child, Mildred R., was born to this union. Mrs. Charles King, mother of Mrs. Swan, is living in Richmond, Ind.; while Charles King is deceased. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Swan settled on the Swan homestead near Camden, where they lived for twenty-three years, then in 1913, came to their present home, a farm consisting of 250 acres. There are two daughters in the family, Mabel K. and Edith M. Swan, the latter a student at Miami university. Mabel is an accomplished musician, and an instructor in music, having studied at Oxford college. The family are Presbyterians in their church affiliations. Mr. Swan belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the K. of P. A splendid record of loyalty and war service, covering Red Cross drives and the purchase of Liberty bonds, as well as the support of welfare campaign's, is a source of pride to this household.

Edgar G. Swank, rougher at the American Rolling Mill company plant, is a native of Ohio, a son of George Thomas and Jennie (Kelly) Swank, and was born in Muskingum county. His parents, who are still living, were pioneer settlers in that county, and endured all the trials and hardships of those early days. The Indians were still there and lived in their native state, causing the settlers much uneasiness, great inconvenience and oftentimes placing their lives in jeopardy. Wolves, panthers and similar wild animals abounded. There were no roads and Mr. Swank often cut through brush in front of him as he drove in order that he might make a clearing and thus secure advancement for his team and wagon. Such were some of the early environments of our subject. For sixteen years he was himself a farmer and then entered the rolling mill at Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained until he came to Middleton to take a position as rougher in the local plant. He has two brothers, Lee and Walter, farmers near Zanesville. November 25, 1909, Mr. Swank married Mae Collier, of Wales, daughter of William and Catharine Jenkins. They have no children but have given a good home to and are rearing a beautiful little girl, a niece to Mrs. Swank. Mrs. Swank's father is still living at New Philadelphia, Ohio. Her mother died March 7, 1902. The family has secured a fine home on Baltimore avenue. Mrs. Swank is a member of the First Baptist church and takes an active part in all matters pertaining to the church and its

interests. Mr. Swank is a Mason and K. of P., and in politics, is liberal.

John D. Swearingen, a retired farmer of Liberty township, was born here in 1854, a son of John D. and Julia (Crane) Swearingen, the former of whom came overland to this county with his father, also named John, from Baltimore county, and located in Union township. John, the grandfather of our subject, was the father of twelve children. He served in the war of 1812 and was widely known throughout the east as a man possessing driving force and ability. John D. Swearingen, sr., grew to manhood on the farm and was so enthralled by the outdoor life that he remained an agriculturist to the end of his days. He was the father of seven children, of whom two are now living; John D., jr., and Margaret. The former received his education in the schools of Liberty township and at the Lebanon Normal school, farming during his vacations. Then for an intermediate period of three years he acted as station agent at Hughes station; but the lure of the land was strong upon him so he relinquished the telegraph key for the plow, and took up agriculture on the 153-acre farm on which he now resides. This farm was the old Morrow farm and it was here that the first post-office in Liberty township was located. He has always conducted a general farming business and has achieved eminent success in his vocation. Mr. Swearingen takes a deep interest in the welfare of his community and served for several years as road supervisor and also as a member of the school board. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party. He was married to Mattie J., daughter of Frank H. McClung. They are the parents of two children: Ruth, who married B. P. Finkbone, and has two children, Martha Jane and Jean; and Naomi, who married R. B. Pond, and has one child, Ralph, jr.

Jacob Theiss, superintendent of the Butler County Infirmary, has occupied this important post since 1913, and during this period has established a splendid record for public service of a capable and conscientious character. Mr. Theiss was born at Hamilton, Ohio, March 19, 1864, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Cooper) Theiss. His parents, natives of Germany, came to the United States as young people and settled at Hamilton, where the father followed his trade of maltster until his death in 1879, at the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. Theiss, who survives her husband, still resides at Hamilton, and is a member of St. John's Evangelical church. There were seven children in the family: Carrie, who died in 1915 as the wife of Fred Weiman; Lucy, of Hamilton, the widow of Charles Brucks; William, connected with the Cincinnati Brewing company, at Hamilton; Jacob; John, who followed the trade of boiler maker until his death in 1906; Minnie, the wife of John Emsfield of Hamilton; and Mollie, who died unmarried. After attending the public schools of Hamilton, Jacob Theiss learned the trade of moulder, which he followed for seven years. Having been industrious and thrifty, he accumulated sufficient capital to establish himself in business as a retail liquor dealer, and conducted a buffet for twelve years, finally disposing of his interests therein to embark in the cement contracting

business. He was thus engaged for five years, when, in 1913, he received the appointment as superintendent of the Butler County Infirmary, a position which he has since filled with rare ability and sagacity. He has evidenced excellent administrative and executive capacity and during his incumbency numerous reforms have been made at the infirmary, which is now accounted one of the best governed institutions of its kind in the state. He centers his interest in the welfare of the wards of the county under his care and is constantly accomplishing things for their comfort. During his long residence in Butler county he has become widely acquainted and numbers among his many friends a number of men of prominence. Mr. Theiss was first married to Miss Mamie Flin, of Butler county, who died in 1882, having been the mother of two children: Mamie, who is connected with a hotel at Hamilton; and Carrie, who married G. R. Holden, of Walla Walla, Wash., and has three children, - Richard, Mamie and Glen B. In October, 1892, Mr. Theiss was again married, being united with Miss Anna B. Maier, who was born at Hamilton, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Stengel) Maier. Her parents were born in Germany and came to the United States as young unmarried people, meeting and marrying at Hamilton. Mr. Maier was a stone mason by trade, but for many years followed farming in Butler county. There were nine children in the Maier family: John, a mason and farmer; Anna R., now Mrs. Theiss; Joseph, a stone mason, who died in December, 1917; William, employed as a teamster at Cincinnati; Mary, the wife of Nick Storck of Dayton; Christ and Andy, teamsters at Hamilton; Margaret, who resides at Hamilton; and Celia, the wife of John Glick, of Butler county. Mr. and Mrs. Theiss have five children: Robert J. A.; Clarence J.; Thelma M., who is attending Notre Dame university; Walter C., attending public school at Hamilton; and LeRoy M. The family belongs to St. John's Evangelical church at Hamilton.

August Thiel. One of the families of Middletown which is entitled to display the Gold Star as having given one of its members in sacrifice to the insatiate demands of war, is that of August Thiel, one of whose sons, Frederick, met a soldier's death while serving his country on the bloody fields of Flanders. August Thiel is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of Middletown, where he is one of the head machinists at the Shartle Brothers Machine shop, and owns a beautiful home on McKinley avenue. He is a Republican, although not an office seeker, and he and the members of his family are consistent members and generous supporters of the Lutheran church. Mr. Thiel was married, July 24, 1884, at London, Ohio, to Wilhelmina Springer, and to this union there were born ten children: Elizabeth; Frank, who married Nora McCarthy; John, who married Clara Gardner, of Blanchester, Ohio; Frederick, who went to France with the Rainbow Division and was killed in action, June 17, 1917; Ernest. who went to France with the Rainbow Division, and who remained in the service with the Army of Occupation in Germany; Marie, who is a stenographer at the offices of the American Rolling Mill; Paul, who saw service in the

United States Army Aviation Corps, in South Carolina; and Carl, Albert and Luther, at home.

Harry Thobe, a well-known contractor and builder of Oxford, Ohio, was born at Covington, Ky., February 11, 1870, a son of George H. and Mollie (Evans) Thobe. The father was a sculptor and carver of splendid ability and eminent reputation, who specialized in all kinds of statuary, among his subjects in replica being the Venus de Milo and other works, which are found ornamenting public institutions and private grounds and estates in various cities. He died in 1917, his wife having passed away about 1900. Their children were: Mollie, Kate, Benjamin, John and Harry. Harry Thobe was given his early education in the public schools, following which he attended a night school and was then given an opportunity to develop his talents by a course in the Ohio Mechanics Institute. When he graduated from that institution he traveled all over the United States, working and studying and preparing himself for his future career. For the most part his employment was as a tile-setter, in which work his artistic sense, inherited from his father, was given full play and he was retained on numerous contracts calling for the construction of pretentious works of ornate character. Eventually he located for a time at Middletown, where he erected a home the exterior of which was entirely of boulder construction, but this he later sold and moved to Oxford. Here he erected a home of original design, combining Spanish and Japanese architecture, very artistic in conception, which has been greatly admired and has come to be one of the show-places of the city. As a contractor, Mr. Thobe makes a specialty of all kinds of artistic boulder and brick construction work, especially sunken gardens, fountains, etc. He built the railroad depot at Oxford and three fraternity houses and gave Miami university its beautiful campus fountain. Various other works have been constructed by him, including business houses, residences, public institutions, etc., and several large solid brick chimneys at Oxford are also of his building. As a citizen he has contented himself with being a supporter of movements which have promised to better his community. In 1898 he was united in marriage with Hyla Kellar, of Oxford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Kellar, and to this union there have been born two children: Ralph Kellar, born in 1899, who is associated with his father in his business undertakings; and Myla, born in 1901, who is attending high school and is an accomplished musician and vocalist.

David Thomas. Energy, persistence and patience have been leading factors in the success of David Thomas, who since 1911 has been identified with the American Rolling mill at Middletown. Unlike many of his fellow-employees at this great industrial plant, he did not enter upon his career in the line which he has since made his lifework, but eventually found his proper groove in life in a business for which he is singularly fitted by the inheritance of the strong and stable traits of his Welsh ancestors. Mr. Thomas was born at Sharon, Pa., August 21, 1877, a son of Thomas and Mary (Evans) Thomas, people of Welsh descent, the latter of whom died

when her son was but five years of age. There were five children in the family: David; Henry, of Sharon, Pa.; Anna, the wife of J. H. Wilson, of Youngstown, Ohio; Ida, the wife of John George, of Akron, this state; and Claudia, the wife of Harry Price, of Cleveland, Ohio. David Thomas was educated in the public schools of Sharon, Pa., and as a youth learned the trade of printer, which he followed for three years at Canton, Ohio. From that city he went to Youngstown, where he started to work for the Youngstown Sheet and Tube company, a concern with which he remained for five years. In 1911 he came to Middletown to assist in starting the new blooming mill of the American Rolling Mill company, and has since been employed in the capacity of roller. He has the complete confidence and esteem of his employer and has demonstrated his capacity for hard and capable work and his characteristic loyalty to the interests of his company have also served to firmly establish him in its good graces. Mr. Thomas belongs to the Masons, being a Knight Templar, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in all of which he is popular. With his family he belongs to the Baptist church and they reside in a valuable and attractive home at No. 604 Moore street, which Mr. Thomas purchased in 1916. October 29, 1902, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage at Sharon, Pa., with Anna Beulah Hendrickson, who was born at Mercer county, Pa., December 28, 1880, a daughter of Samuel and Theresa (Stephenson) Hendrickson, the former of whom died April 18, 1913, while the latter still survives. There were eight children in the Hendrickson family: Mrs. Thomas; George, who died at the age of forty years; Harvey, a resident of Seattle, Wash.; Richard, of Watervliet, N. Y.; Kate, of Sharon, Pa.; Clara, the wife of Reese James, of Watervliet; Samuel, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Bert R., of Youngstown, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of five children, as follows: Mary, who was born June 27, 1905; Samuel, born October 13, 1907; Beulah, born September 11, 1910; Margaret, born April 26, 1914; and David, born September 4, 1916.

Mrs. Elisabeth M. Thomas. Among the highly esteemed residents of Poast Town, one who has won and held the good-will and friendship of the people of her community is Mrs. Elizabeth M. Thomas, whose long residence in Butler county has made her well known to its people. She was born on a farm in Madison township, a daughter of Henry, and Eleanor (Williamson) Paullin, the former born in 1805 in Ohio and the latter in Butler county, Ohio, in 1812. Both parents came of good stock, and after their marriage settled on a farm in Butler county, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives in the pursuit of farming and were highly respected in the community in which they made their home. They were the parents of the following children: Jacob K. and Clinton, who are deceased; Mary Ann, who became the wife of S. Cox and is now deceased; Samuel; Elizabeth M., of this review; Sarah Jane, the wife of Mr. Carney, of Germantown; Eleanor, now Mrs. Jonathan Wycoff, of Franklin; and Rachael, the wife of John Smith, of Seven Mile. Elizabeth M. Thomas was reared on the home farm, where she was

instructed in the various domestic duties connected with an agricultural life, and secured her education by attending the local district school. She remained under the parental roof until she was united in marriage with Gabriel Thomas, a farmer of the same community. Mr. Thomas was a Son of Peter and Rachel (Faust) Thomas, natives of Ohio who were pioneers of this region, their parents having come down the Ohio river on a flatboat and settled in the northwest part of Warren county in 1804. The family effects were moved by team from Cincinnati to the virgin farm near Franklin, and there the elder Gabriel Thomas cleared sufficient land to make a home in the forest. Later he became a prosperous farmer, with a comfortable dwelling, and his son, Peter, followed in his footsteps and pursued an agricultural career all his life. He was an industrious and energetic man, who made the most of his opportunities and gained standing and a competence, and when he died, about a quarter of a century ago, his community lost one of its good and public-spirited citizens. Among his holdings was a pretty home at Poast Town, in which his widow has made her home since his demise. This comfortable and attractive little residence is surrounded by a lawn and is otherwise beautified, suggesting the taste of its owner, who is also the owner of the old homestead in Butler county. Mrs. Thomas is a woman of intelligence and numerous graces, and a devout member of the United Brethren church, of Middletown, Ohio.

Benjamin F. Thompson, was born in Reily township, Butler county, May 2, 1849, the son of Henry and Nancy (Arnold) Thompson, who were natives of Ross township. Except for about fifteen years, during which time he engaged in the butcher's trade, his father followed farming, and it was on the home farm in Butler county that Benjamin, with his brothers Robert and William, and his two sisters, Elizabeth and Susan, spent his early life. He received his education in Reily township but soon after leaving school decided to take up agriculture and rented a farm, following this vocation as a renter for fourteen years. He then established a huckstering business which he carried on successfully for nearly twenty-one years, during which time he purchased the truck farm of four acres on which he is now located and where he is carrying on a profitable business in truck gardening. In 1874 he was married to Malissa, daughter of William and Louise Porter. To this union were born nine children, five of whom, Alva, Nancy, Charles, Laura and Earl, are dead. The four children living are: Arthur, who married Lela McCoy to whom one daughter, Ruth, was born; Harry, who married Loretta Campbell, is the father of two children; Benjamin, who married Elizabeth Webber, and Carl, the youngest, who enlisted in the army during the late European war and was sent overseas where he served in the Air Service from June, 1918, to April, 1919.

Charles James Thompson, sr., whose residence at Middletown covers a period of nine years, during which time he has been identified with the American Rolling mill, has become one of the substantial citizens of his community through the exercise of good

management and unabating industry. He has relied solely upon his own resources for the attainment of success, in the gaining of which he has also held the friendship of his co-workers and fellow-citizens. Mr. Thompson was born in England, September 24, 1878, a son of George and Mary (Pigg) Thompson. He was only two years of age when brought to the United States by his parents, who settled at Leechburg, Pa., where George Thompson was employed in the rolling mill until the time of his retirement, several years before his death in October, 1900, his widow following him to the grave in August, 1901. There were eight children in the family: Charles James; Margaret, who became the wife of Charles Taylor, of Canal Dover, Ohio; James, a resident of New Philadelphia, Ohio; Jennie, the wife of P. D. Hancock, of Leechburg, Pa.; Annie, the wife of Harvey Shafor, of Brickchurch, Pa.; John, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Robert, of Schenley, Pa.; and Harry, who entered the United States Army during the World war. He spent many months in the ambulance camp at Allentown, Pa., before being sent to Italy, where he saw much active service, and was at one time stationed in Austria with the Army of Occupation. John Thompson was also in the service, having been a member for eighteen months of Battery D, 304th Field Artillery. Charles James Thompson secured a public school education and then applied himself to the mastery of his trade, which he followed at various places before locating at Middletown, November 11, 1911, at which time he entered the employ of the American Rolling mill. He has since acted in the capacity of a heater, and has rendered services of a character that class him among the reliable, trustworthy and energetic employees of his concern, the officials of which place the utmost confidence in his ability. Mr. Thompson was married December 5, 1901, at Leechburg, Pa., to Blanche, daughter of Hezekiah and Ellen (Hawk) Ashbaugh, who still reside at Leechburg. Her father is a veteran of the Civil war, having been a sergeant for three years in the 78th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. There were twelve children in the Ashbaugh family, as follows: Blanche, who became Mrs. Thompson of this review; Worth, of Duquesne, Pa.; Ninna, now Mrs. D. P. George, of Leechburg, Pa.; Belle, the wife of M. B. Artman, of that place; Emma, the wife of E. P. Wilson, of Pittsburg, Pa.; Kizzie, living with her parents at Leechburg; Will, who is deceased; Kate, the wife of E. Secrist, of Rome, N. Y.; Robert, of Warren, Ohio; May, the wife of Aaron Lindenmuth, of Bucyrus, Ohio; Myra, of Middletown, who married Carroll H. Bussier of Middletown, O.,; and Logan, a gifted musician and artist with a studio at Leechburg, a graduate in music at Leipsic, Germany, and an artist whose paintings have brought large sums. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson: Earl, who died in his fourth year; Marcellene Catherine, born December 31, 1904, and now attending high school; and Clyde George, born March 31, 1907, attending the graded schools. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are consistent members of the Oakland Presbyterian church, and have a modern, attractive home on Michigan avenue. In his political stand, Mr. Thompson is liberal. He is a

progressive citizen who supports good movements, but has not sought public office. Fraternally he belongs to Jefferson Lodge No. 90, F. & A. M.; Leechburg Lodge No. 651, I. O. O. F., and he and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Prosser Chapter, O. E. S.

Harry J. Thompson, who is superintendent of the water and gas department of the city of Hamilton, Ohio, is a practical business man and an expert in his line of industry. He was born at Windsor, in Shelby county, Ill. His parents were Freeman B. and Mary Ann Thompson, both of whom were born in Butler county, Ohio. They moved to Shelby county, Ill., where his father became a substantial farmer, but returned to Butler county and located at Hamilton when Harry J. was an infant. Of their family of eight children four sons survive them, as follows: William B., who resides with his family at Hamilton; James, who is a resident of Denver, Col.; George, who enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war, has been a soldier in the United States Army ever since; and Harry J. Following his public school course, Harry J. Thompson learned the plumbing trade and worked at the same until 1895 as an employee, then embarked in a plumbing and heating business for himself, having shops in different sections of the city at different times. In 1909, he purchased the building at No. 233 Main street, which he has occupied ever since, having comfortable living quarters on the upper floor and his plumbing and heating shop and stock below. Mr. Thompson has prospered through thorough knowledge of his trade and great industry, but in the great flood disaster of 1913, he, like others of his fellow citizens, was forced to see a part of his hard won savings swept away. In 1895, Mr. Thompson married Augusta C. Haas, who was born at Hamilton. The loss of their one son was a grievous tragedy, little Gordon Krone being drowned while in swimming, at the age of nine years. Mr. Thompson is identified with three fraternal orders, the Elks, the Eagles and the Monkeys.

Henry Tiemeyer is a popular and able citizen of Hamilton and a leading Democrat, who, since 1912, has been almost continuously before the public either in appointive or elective positions of responsibility. At the present time he is serving his second term in the office of recorder of Butler county, a position in which he has strengthened his hold upon public confidence and esteem by the thorough, capable and conscientious manner in which he has discharged his duties. Mr. Tiemeyer is a native son of Hamilton, and was born October 18, 1860, his parents being Edward and Elizabeth Tiemeyer, who were married in this city. Edward Tiemeyer came to Hamilton as early as 1844 and for many years followed the trade of carpenter, he and his estimable wife being greatly respected as honest, industrious and God-fearing people. The educational advantages of Henry Tiemeyer were limited to attendance at the Parochial schools, but he was a bright and ambitious lad and made the most of his opportunities. When he left school he secured employment with the firm of M. Bare & Co., with which he worked his way up to the post of foreman. Later he became identified with the M. W. Dingfelder Lumber company, as superintendent of yards,

and it was while thus employed that he was appointed a member of the park commission of Hamilton, in 1912, by Mayor Straub. His capable services in this position attracted attention to his abilities, and in 1916, when the Democratic party nominated him for the office of recorder of Butler county, he received a vote indicative of the people's confidence in him. His first term was one that was marked by good work and faithful performance of duty, and in 1918 he was re-elected. His record has been a clean and serviceable one which has shown that Hamiltonians were correct in their estimation of his character. Mr. Tiemeyer is a member of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus. He married Mary P. Hamann, and they are the parents of two children: Julia, the wife of Alfred A. Klein, of Evansville, Ind.; and Walter H., who is single and resides with his parents.

William D. Tillson, a resident of Middletown for nearly four score years, and now retired, has witnessed the progress and development of this community from small beginnings to the realization of ambitious aims. Mr. Tillson was born in 1841, at Middletown, in the home which he now occupies at No. 223 South Clinton street, a son of George L. and Sarah F. (Drake) Tillson. George L. Tillson was born about 1811, in Massachusetts, and at an early day in the history of Butler county made settlement at Middletown, where he met and married Sarah F. Drake, who was born October 2, 1814, in Virginia. Mr. Tillson was a bricklayer and stone mason by trade, as well as a plasterer, and gradually developed his business until he became a prominent contractor, erecting many homes and other buildings at Middletown and in the surrounding country, and giving employment to a large force of mechanics. William D. Tillson received his education in the public schools of Middletown, and while growing to manhood was engaged largely in assisting his father in his contracting business and in learning the trade of paper making. The Civil war found him an ardent Unionist, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 93d Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was serving when captured by the enemy near Lexington, Ky., September 1, 1862. He was paroled on the field and exchanged under general order No. 191, November 19, 1862, following which he rejoined his regiment. September 19, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga, he was wounded by a gunshot in the head, and was subsequently transferred to Company I, 19th Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, May 22, 1864. Mr. Tillson was honorably discharged July 24, 1865. Throughout his service he displayed marked bravery and his army life was one characterized by a soldierly performance of every duty. Returning to his home, the young soldier again took up the trade of paper making, which he followed off and on throughout the period of his active career, although at various times he was otherwise engaged, notably in a pump works, where he was employed for ten years. He was industrious and painstaking in whatever he undertook, the discipline which he had learned while in the army standing him in good stead, and was given advancement in his various positions. Likewise he was frugal and saving, conserving

his earnings carefully, and as a result was able to accumulate a competence which allows him to pass his declining years in comfort. Mr. Tillson has a large fund of reminiscences of Middletown's history and is an interesting conversationalist. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party.

J. W. Timberman, who, after many years of hard work, has become one of the substantial farmers and stock raisers of Ross township, Butler county. He is a native of Butler county, and was born May 4, 1851, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Flickinger) Timberman, and a grandson of Mathew and Elizabeth (Harsley) Timberman. Andrew Timberman was born in Tennessee, and as a youth came to Butler county, where he married Miss Flickinger, a native of this locality. They passed their entire lives here in agricultural pursuits and succeeded in gaining and holding the respect and esteem of the people among whom they made their home for so many years. They were the parents of the following children: Hannah, Susan, Mathew, John, Samuel, Jennie, Catherine, Mary, Andrew and Jess. Among these children is Dr. Andrew Timberman, a graduate physician of the Cincinnati Medical college, and now a leading eye, ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbus, Ohio. J. W. Timberman received his education in the public schools of Butler county and was reared to a farmer's life. When he was ready to enter upon his career he settled on a farm in Ross township, and through great industry succeeded in accumulating 202 acres, all of which but ninety acres has been sold. Mr. Timberman has always been justly regarded as one of the prominent cattle men of his locality and an excellent judge of live stock. He makes frequent trips to the large cattle markets, purchasing cattle for local farmers and cattle men, and rarely indeed is his judgment found at fault. In 1904 Mr. Timberman married Gertrude S., daughter of John and Catherine (Schaeffer) Fry, residents of Reily township, Butler county, who had the following children: William S., who served in the United States Regular Army; George K., Samuel, Mary, Sally, Nettie, Jennie, Mattie, Rush and Gertrude S. In politics Mr. Timberman is a Democrat.

W. L. Tobey. During the extended, active and uniformly successful career of W. L. Tobey, several characteristics have been notable, among them being a great capacity for the accomplishment of able journalistic work and a constant striving after higher ideals and further advancement. Mr. Tobey, who is editor and general manager of the Daily News, of Hamilton, was born November 27, 1870, at Upshur, Preble county, Ohio, and received his early education in the public schools of Winchester, this state. He displayed remarkable prowess in his studies as a lad, and when but fifteen years of age, in 1886, matriculated at Miami university, graduating in 1891 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. During his college career he interested himself chiefly in work of a literary character, and was a member of the Miami Union Literary society and the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. With others, he established the Miami Journal, which became subsequently the Miami Student, a publication which gave a faithful picture of college life at Miami

and of which Mr. Tobey was editor and general manager for three years. While still at college he began work on a catalogue of the Alumni of Miami university, and in 1891 published a triennial catalogue for the board of trustees. His first employment after leaving college was with the Dayton (Ohio) Evening Herald, and subsequently he became editor of the Dayton Sunday Herald. One year after his graduation he was elected editor of the Hamilton Daily Republican, and March 21, 1898, when the Republican Publishing company bought out the News and Telegraph company and consolidated the two papers under the name of the Daily Republican-News, Mr. Tobey was made editor and general manager, and placed in sole control. In 1904 the company erected an addition to its main building, and the plant is today one of the modern establishments of its kind in Ohio. In November, 1904, with four others, Mr. Tobey purchased the Dayton Journal of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Tobey is not only one of the best-known journalists in this state, but is also prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of Washington Lodge, No. 17, A. F. & A. M.; Hamilton Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; Hamilton Council, No. 19, R. & S. M., and Hamilton Commandery, No. 41, K. T.; Hamilton Lodge, No. 93, B. P. O. E.; and Lone Star, Lodge No. 39, K. P. In December, 1895, he was appointed a trustee of Miami university by Governor McKinley, in 1901, was reappointed by Governor Nash, and in June, 1903, was elected president of the board of trustees of that institution. He was a member of the board of directors of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity from 1893 to 1896. Mr. Tobey was married December 19, 1894, to Miss Fannie Douglas Smith, of Hamilton.

Percy C. Todd. One of the important business enterprises of Hamilton, which has been developed into its present prosperous condition through a careful consideration of the needs and wants of the public, as well as through progressive methods and resourceful ideas of business policy, is the book, stationery and office supply store of Forbes & Todd, located at No. 217 High street. Percy C. Todd of this firm has been identified with the business since 1904, it being his first and only independent venture. He is a native of Champaign county, Ohio, born September 1, 1875, and a son of John E and Jane (Mumper) Todd. The parents of Mr. Todd were born in Pennsylvania, from which state they made the trip overland with their parents in a wagon train. Arriving in Champaign county, they cast their lot with the other early settlers, and after their marriage, the parents located on a farm of their own and became well-to-do agriculturists. Both the Todd and Mumper families became numerous and prosperous, and in one community in Champaign county owned farming land covering an area of ten miles. In addition to being a good agriculturist John E. Todd took a part in the affairs of the community that made him widely and favorably known. Until the entry of the 'Prohibition party into national affairs he was a Republican, but after that cast his support irrevocably with the temperance element and was an earnest worker in its behalf ever after until his death. He was also vitally interested m matters pertaining to the schools, was president of the

board of education for many years, and was also honored by his fellow-citizens by election to various township offices, in all of which he served with marked ability and conscientiousness. He and Mrs. Todd were faithful members and generous supporters of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Winfield Scott, of Springfield, Ohio, who married Cosette Calvert and has two children; Sarah Margaret and Jean, of Urbana, who are active in local affairs, and during the great war were earnest workers in patriotic movements; John Howard, a newspaperman of Minneapolis, Minn., married; Annie, deceased; Marion R., a prominent farmer of Urbana, and county commissioner, who married Laura Pence; Clarence, who is deceased; and Percy C. Percy C. Todd attended the country schools of Champaign county and the graded schools of Urbana, and was reared on his father's farm, but having no liking for agricultural pursuits, he took up the work of a jeweler and worked on the bench for fifteen years. In 1898 he went to Springfield, Ill., and enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry for service during. the Spanish-American war, the greater part of his service being spent at Chickamauga Park, Chattanooga, Tenn. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan, Ill., and in 1899 came to Hamilton, Ohio, where for five years he was associated with various jewelers. In 1904, recognizing a splendid opportunity, he formed a partnership with L. N. Forbes, and embarked in the book business, purchasing the establishment of E. T. Moore & Sons Co.., at No. 147 N. Third street, Hamilton. This business rapidly developed into an important enterprise under the good management of the new partners, and in 1906 the enterprise was moved to larger quarters, its present home, at 217 High street. In 1908 the business was incorporated for $30,000. It has shown no signs of abating its healthy growth and at this time is the leading business of its kind at Hamilton, being accounted a necessary commercial asset. Mr. Todd was married in 1903 to Miss Sarah M. Diefenbach, daughter of C. M. Diefenbach, and a member of one of the earliest settled families of Hamilton. They are the parents of one son, John Burton, aged twelve years, who is attending the Hamilton schools. Mr. and Mrs. Todd reside in their attractive and valuable residence at No. 657 Ross avenue. Mr. Todd bears an excellent reputation in business circles, as is evidenced by the fact that in 1918 he was elected president of the Retail Merchants association. He has also been a director of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Y. M. C. A., and is active and influential in all civic movements. His fraternal affiliation is with the Elks, in addition to which he holds membership in the Butler County Country club and the Spanish-American War Veterans. He and Mrs. Todd are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Todd is a staunch supporter of the Republican party.

W. H. Todhunter, who has been a vigorous figure in the life of Middletown since 1870, was born seventy-six years ago near the village of Monroe, Butler county, Ohio. His sturdy English ancestors early migrated to America, first making their homes in

Virginia and Pennsylvania representatives of the family later finding their way into Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Jacob Todhunter, grandfather of W. H. Todhunter, trekking westward, settled on a farm in Warren county, Ohio, near what is now Union Village or Shakertown, where he lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years. His elder son, John D. Todhunter, was married in early manhood to Hannah Williamson Clark, daughter of John and Polly (Williamson) Clark, thus joining two prominent and widely known families of this part of the Miami valley. The Todhunters were Quakers, the Clarks, followers of John and Charles Wesley. To John D. Todhunter and his wife, three children were born, William H., Thomas C., and Mary Ella Todhunter Croy all of whom are still living. The elder son, William H. Todhunter, the subject of this sketch, gained his early education in the district schools and the old Presbyterian academy at Monroe, graduating from Ohio Wesleyan university in the class of 1867. Following his graduation from college, the young man became instructor in the co-educational college at Warrentown, Mo., but gave up the teaching profession to take up the study of law in the offices of Doty & Gunckel in Middletown, and later in law lectures in Chicago, being admitted to the bar in 1871. Shortly after his admission to the legal fraternity Mr. Todhunter opened a law office in Middletown, the duties of his profession have engaged his attention from that time until the present, when at the age of seventy-six he is found actively at work every day in the year, a strong, vigorous character. Mr. Todhunter was married in April, 1871, to Miss Jennie C. Wilson. Their family consists of two sons and four daughters, all of whom are married save the youngest daughter who resides with her father in his home at 535 S. Main street. Mrs. Todhunter was taken to the skies in April, 1913. A diversity of interests has made Mr. Todhunter's life a busy one. Ever a scholar and classicist of the old school, to whom Latin and Greek were as an open book, a lover of education not only for its own sake, but for its purpose to make better men and women, better citizens, the people of Middletown early gave to him a place on the board of education where he served for twenty-five years. During this time, he was the guiding spirit in the erection and equipping of five large school buildings, which will remain as a memorial to him. Mr. Todhunter is not an engineer by training, but he has helped plan more public buildings than any man now living in the city, having been the leader in securing a gift of $25,000 from the late Andrew Carnegie for the building of the free public library in Middletown, opened to the public in 1913 and which perhaps will remain as his best memorial; he was also an active factor in the erection of the Soldier's monument in Woodside cemetery. Another project, as yet unfinished, but in a fair way to be accomplished, within two years time, is the new $500,000 high school building. While still a member of the board of education Mr. Todhunter urged the need of a new high school and his broad understanding previsioned a handsome high school edifice on the Phipps homestead. He was the prime mover in securing a

favorable vote on the first $200,000 bond issue and personally brought about the acquisition of the Phipps property at Sixth and Curtis avenue by the city schools. But schools and a library were not his only interest along building lines. Mr. Todhunter did not hesitate to accept a place on a committee named to build and furnish the present large Broadway Methodist Episcopal church, which was opened and dedicated in 1891 at a cost of $60,000. His efforts did not cease until the heavy debt incurred by its construction was paid in full. In the half century in which Mr. Todhunter has been a central figure in Middletown, there have been some strenuous contests for better morals in the growing city. In these contests he ever has stood well toward the front of the battle line where the blows fell fiercest, where he did not always escape some severe scars, but in which he and his friends finally won the victory for good government, to the end that Middletown now is one of the cleanest, safest, best governed cities in Ohio. Two years ago the people of his city elected Mr. Todhunter to be judge of the municipal court for a period of four years; he still holds that office and the present good order of the city is due, in no small measure, to his wise and temperate judgments from the bench. Judge Todhunter has found time all through his busy life, to devote a good portion of his time to varied scientific studies of the ever changing times in which he lives, and always has been a deep reader and thinker on literature, economics and religion. He was a newspaper editor for a number of years in Middletown, is the historian of Middletown and of the Broadway Methodist church, and is justly regarded as one of the intellectual men of his city. Judge Todhunter's philosophy of life is summed up in his own words in a simple New Year card sent by him to his friends in 1919 which reads: "Tho the hills are a bit steeper and the going a bit harder, yet, after more than seventy laps in the journey, I have great joy in reminding you, that the sun still shines, the glories of the firmament still sparkle, the waysides are enchanting and the goal has a charm that is inspiring. On this journey there is no such thing as bad weather, just many kinds of good weather. May we neither be dreamers nor drudges in the year just ahead, doers of things worth-while, is the wish of your friend, W. H. Todhunter."
Written by PAUL J. BANKER.

Frank Treudley, an enterprising and successful merchant of Stockton, Ohio, was born in that place, July 12, 1865, son of Oliver and Orpha (Chambers) Treudley. The father, a soldier in the Civil war, was born near Wheeling, Pa., and the mother in Stockton. After their marriage they settled permanently in Stockton, and for twenty years he acted as agent of the old C. H.. & D. railroad. To them were born five children: Frank, the subject of this review; Minnie Mrs. Curt Smith of Fairfield township, Butler county; Phoebe, married Russel Andrews of Hamilton, Ohio; Tracy; and Almyra P. Frank Treudley, after having finished the course of study in the Stockton schools, became an operator for

the C. H. & D. railroad, and in 1893 married Barbara Lattier, of Stockton, daughter of Mathies Lattier. Mr. Treudley was married a second time, to Louise Schmitt, daughter of Martin and Barbara (Elitzer) Schmitt, both of whom were born in Germany. In 1901 Mr. Treudley embarked in the grocery business at Stockton in a modest manner, and with but a small stock of goods. In the nineteen years that have passed, he has built up a flourishing business, carries a complete and well selected stock of groceries, dry goods, and general merchandise, and is the owner of as fine and prosperous a store as will be found anywhere outside of the largest cities. Mr. and Mrs. Treudley have two daughters: Helen and Mary, both of whom are attending the high school. The family are members of the Methodist church, and in politics Mr. Treudley is an Independent Republican.

F. C. Trowbridge. It is the fortune of some men to rise above their associates, for they possess in a phenomenal degree those attributes which make for success. Their handling of affairs is so masterly that their upward progress is steady and they make prosperous all enterprises with which they are connected. F. C. Trowbridge, for many years one of the substantial business men of Hamilton, is an illustration of the above. Still in the very prime of life, he has already accomplished much more than many men do in a lifetime of continuous effort, and at the same time has not neglected his civic duties, having associated himself with other public-spirited men in the promulgation and successful completion of movements for the general welfare. Mr. Trowbridge was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1865, a son of George W. and Rebecca F. (Sims) Trowbridge, the latter a native of Baltimore, Md. George W. Trowbridge was of English descent, and was for many years engaged in the pork packing business. During the Civil war he was a member of the military guard at Cincinnati, at the time of Morgan's raid, and later was one of the founders of the pork packing firm of Beatty & Trowbridge, which carried on an extensive business at Race and Canal streets, Cincinnati. In his later years, Mr. Trowbridge retired to Crestview Farm, near Glendale, Ohio, but moved to Hamilton, Ohio, to reside with his son after the death of his wife in February, 1917, and passed away at Mercy hospital May 25, 1918. They were the parents of four children: F. C., George J., Archie and James, of whom the two latter are deceased. James, who was a graduate of the Boston School of Technology and had studied in Europe, was a well-known architect with a promising career, when he died in 1887. George J. is a resident of Cincinnati.

F. C. Trowbridge was given excellent educational advantages in his youth, attending the public schools of Butler county and Glendale, Ohio, graduating from Chickering institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1883, then attending and finishing a course at Rensselaer Polytechnic institute. With this preparation, he came to Hamilton, where he joined the Black-Clawson company, engaged in the manufacture of paper making machinery, pulp machinery, etc., his first position being that of a draughtsman. He was then sent out on the road as a traveling representative of his concern, an

extremely difficult position owing to the great technical knowledge necessary, and in this capacity traveled allover the United States and Canada. At the time of the withdrawal from the firm of Mr. L. P. Clawson, who sold his interests to James G. Hancock, Mr. Trowbridge became an official of the company. In 1898 Mr. Frank X. Black, one of the founders of the business, died, and L. P. Hurm was elected president, Mr. Trowbridge becoming secretary and treasurer. In 1903 the company was reorganized and the old interests were purchased by new factors, Bradford Shinkle becoming president and Mr. Trowbridge remaining as secretary and treasurer. At the time of Mr. Shinkle's death, in 1908, Frank Whittaker became president, advancing from the vice-presidency, and when Mr. Whittaker died Mr. Trowbridge was placed in the chief executive position, which he now occupies. Under his careful direction and progressive methods the plant has expanded considerably and the business has been enlarged to extensive proportions, the product of the concern now meeting with a splendid market in various European counties as well as all countries of the North American continent. During the recent war, 75 per cent of the plant was turned over to work for the United States Government, co-operating in engine building, a field in which the company also manufactured parts of the Eagle boats, assembled at the Ford Motor company's plant, at Detroit. Mr. Trowbridge is justly accounted one of the leading business men of his city, where his interests are numerous and his connections of an important character. He stands high in Masonry, being a Knight Templar, and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He votes the Republican ticket. In September, 1911, Mr. Trowbridge married Miss Caroline Miller. By a former marriage he has two sons: Francis and Frederick.

Frank Truster. For a third of a century Frank Truster has been numbered among the progressive and energetic citizens of Butler county and is at present successfully engaged in farming operations in Wayne township. Following in the footsteps of his father, who was an early resident of this region, he has always been identified with the tilling of the soil, and at the same time has identified himself with measures and enterprises calculated to benefit his community. Mr. Truster was born in Wayne township, January 4, 1866, a son of Louis and Margaret (McFall) Truster. A complete review of this family will be found in the sketch of Jerry Truster, of Collinsville, elsewhere in this work. Frank Truster was educated in the public school at Cotton Run, and when his education was completed he started work as a farm hand and as his father's assistant. He was married in January, 1892, to Sarah Cunningham, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of Andrew Cunningham, a review of whose career will be found in the sketch of Harry H. Cunningham, elsewhere in this publication. After his marriage Mr. Truster settled down to establish and develop a farm and home of his own, and his industry, close application and good management have resulted in the securing of a valuable and productive farm of 175 acres. On this, he carried on general farming and stock raising', and in both departments has demonstrated him

self a thoroughly trained agriculturist, evidencing his progressive spirit by his intelligent use of modern methods in his work. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served efficiently as a member of the school board, and he and the members of his family belong to the Presbyterian church. His support of all war activities was spontaneous and liberal and he has always been accounted a public-spirited citizen of enlightened views. Mr. and Mrs. Truster are the parents of four children: Earl, who is his father's assistant on the home place; Harry H., a high school graduate and now a farmer on his father's place near Jacksonboro, who married Hilda Allspaugh; and Ethel and Marie, who reside with their parents.

Jerry Truster. At present a retired farmer of Collinsville, Jerry Truster has been one of the industrious men of Butler county, linking his name with all that is admirable in farming and wise and progressive in individual life. He has been a lifelong resident of the county, having been born on a farm in Wayne township, September 21,1861, a son of Louis and Margaret (McFall) Truster, natives also of Butler county, who were married at Somerville. Louis Truster was one of those adventurous souls who answered the call of the west and made the long and hazardous trip across the plains in quest of gold as a "forty-niner," but on his return was content to settle down to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture in Wayne township, dividing his time between farming and wagon making, the latter of which had been his trade in his earlier years. Subsequently he bought the old Pottinger place in the same township, and there occurred the death of his wife in 1866, following which he removed to his home at Dayton, retired from active pursuits, and died at the age of seventy years. He was a man of some influence and importance in his community, and served in the capacity of township trustee, a position to which he was elected on the Democratic ticket. He and his worthy wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church and the parents of: Louis, a farmer of Hanover township, married Rosa Kefer; Anna, the widow of William Wintersteen; Levi, who died in 1894, married Martha Swope; Emanuel, a farmer of Wayne township, who married Jennette Kirkpatrick; Frank, a farmer of Wayne township, who married Ella Cunningham; Lizzie, who married Jacob Hoffman, of Seven Mile; Ruth, who married George Gentry, of Miltonville, Ohio; and Jerry, of this notice. Jerry Truster is indebted to the district schools of his home community for his educational training, to which there has been added the experience and knowledge gained through observation during later years. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he embarked upon a career of his own, and December 25, 1884, was united in marriage with Clara Hardin, of Milford township, daughter of Giles and Mary (Hadley) Hardin, the former of Milford township and the latter of Hendricks county, Ind. Mr. Hardin, who was a farmer all of his life in Milford township, and a highly respected and public-spirited citizen of his community, as well as a staunch Republican, died in 1894, aged fifty-six years, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife, who

survives him and resides at Richmond, Ind., had four children: Clara, who became Mrs. Jerry Truster; George, who was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Preble county, Ohio, married Catherine Conrow, and died at the age of fifty years; Lucinda, who is the wife of R. T. Finley, of Collinsville; and Lee, a resident of Newcastle, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Truster are the parents of the following children: Edgar, a farmer at Collinsville, who married Bertha Beiser and has two children - Roy and Marion; Edith, who is the wife of William Leadwell, a farmer of Milford township, and has one child - Dorothy Mary, the wife of John Gerber, of Milford township, with five children - Helen, Clara, Fred, Paul and Mary; Nellie, the wife of J. W. Hanlon, a telegraph operator at Somerville, Ohio, with two sons - Forrest and Kenneth; and Walter, who joined the U. S. Navy and sailed on the U. S. S. Longback for the Philippines. He also served for fourteen months with an aviation corps in France, and on his return to the United States, settled at Somerville, where he now lives with his parents. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Truster settled on a farm north of Seven Mile, on which they resided for six years, then moving to the Jacob Inman place, where they lived for seven years. In 1898 they purchased the old Giles Hardin place of 119 acres, in Milford township, upon which they carried on operations for thirteen years, but eventually built their home at Collinsville, where they have resided since, and disposed of the farm by sale in 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Truster are included among the most highly esteemed people of their part of Butler county, and have numerous friends. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church at Collinsville, and Mr. Truster is an influential Democrat and at one time served as a member of the school board.

William Truster is one of the native sons of Butler county and throughout his career has been identified with farming enterprises which have not only promoted his individual success but have also advanced the development of his section. Mr. Truster was born near Jacksonboro, in Wayne township, May 30, 1864, a son of Louis and Margaret (McFall) Truster, a review of this family being found in the sketch of Jerry Truster, elsewhere in this work. Mr. Truster went to school in Wayne township, where he acquired a good education, and upon the completion of his studies returned to the home place to assist his father. Subsequently he started farming on his own account, and January 4, 1893, was married to Sophia, daughter of Andrew and Frances Wirtley, who resided on the Eaton road and who are now deceased. There were nine children in the Wirtley family: Henry, Joseph, John, Charles, Frank, William, Anna, deceased, who was the wife of William Cunningham; Kate, the wife of Peter Jasbring, living on the Jacksonboro pike; and Sophia, who is now Mrs. Truster. Following his marriage, Mr. Truster moved to a small farm of forty-five acres, on which he carried on operations until 1894, when he moved to his present place, although he is still the owner of his original property. In addition to the 127 acres included in his Wayne township farm on which he lives, and which he rents, he also operates a rented

property of 168 acres adjoining. He is a skilled agriculturist and an intelligent user of modern methods, and through his honorable transactions has gained the respect and good will of his fellow-citizens. He is a Democrat in his political adherence, and he and the members of his family belong to the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Truster are the parents of the following children: Emma, who married Earl Giffey, a farmer of Wayne township, and has one son, Willard; and Mabel, Clyde, Margaret and Robert, who reside at home.

Fielding G. Tullis. One of the well-known agriculturists of Butler county, Fielding G. Tullis has for twenty-two years resided on his present property in Lemon township, and at the same time has been a participant in many of the movements which have assisted in bringing prosperity to this locality. He was born September 4, 1856, at 17 Chestnut street, Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Thomas Barber Tullis, and grandson of David Tullis, a pioneer farmer of Hamilton county, Ohio. Thomas B. Tullis was born in Hamilton county, where he attended the public schools and grew to manhood, and in the same community was married and resided for several years thereafter. Going then to Cincinnati, he engaged for a time in teaming, but subsequently became the proprietor of the Fifth Street market, with which he was connected for some years. With George McGee, another auctioneer, he conducted many sales, some as high as $20,000 to $25,000, and was a man of prominence and well known in his day. He was a staunch Democrat and active in politics, and when he passed away, at Carthage, Ohio, aged seventy-four years, his community lost a good and public-spirited citizen. Mrs. Tullis died at the age of eighty years. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: David and Delia, who are deceased; Fielding G.; Jack, a resident of Hartwell, Ohio; Emma, of Wyoming, Ohio; Washington, deceased; Ad, a blacksmith of Hartwell, Ohio; and Nellie, deceased. Fielding G. Tullis attended the public schools of his native city, and at the age of sixteen years came to Lemon township, Butler county, where he secured employment as a farm hand, with Bruce Harkrader. With his brother he then returned to Cincinnati, where he worked as a carriage blacksmith for William Brickle, subsequently going to Blue Ball, where he farmed for James Wihr, for whom he also trained three racing horses. His next location was in Warren county, where he farmed for James Meyer, and while residing in that vicinity was married to Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Augsperger) Meyer. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were born in France and came as single young people to America locating in the vicinity of Trenton, where they met and were married, subsequently going to Warren county. Settling near Blue Ball they were among the early farmers of that vicinity and there accumulated a splendid farm of 400 acres, a good deal of which they themselves cleared. They installed fine equipment and numerous improvements and developed an ideal country home. Of their ten children, only four are living: Mrs. Tullis; Caroline, a resident of Illinois; John, who lives in the state of Washington; and Charles, of Seattle, Wash.

Joseph Meyer was a minister in the Mennonite church and was a man of prominence and influence in his community during his day. He was highly respected and esteemed not only for what he had accomplished, but because of the honorable manner in which he always conducted his dealings. To Mr. and Mrs. Tullis there have been born four children: Allie May, who married Elmer Fisher, a farmer of Lemon township, and has a sketch of his career in this work; John Walter, who is also a farmer of Lemon township and is married; and Mabel Augusta, who resides with her parents, one of the popular young ladies of her community, with a talent for fashionable dressmaking; and Christian Meyer. Following his marriage, Mr. Tullis resided in Hamilton county for two years, and later farmed on rented land for three years. In 1897 he came to Lemon township, Butler county, where he bought the old John Russell property of twenty-seven acres, which he now has under a fine state of cultivation, doing general farming, raising some tobacco, and also breeding some dairy stock. He is accounted a skilled and thoroughly informed farmer and is making a success of his operations. Mr. Tullis is an ardent and active Democrat and has always taken a keen interest in township and county affairs. At present he is presiding judge of elections and supervisor of roads, and has supervision over sixteen miles of highways. With his family, he belongs to the Presbyterian church. A well-read, well-informed man, he is able to differentiate between movements that are beneficial and those detrimental, and his support will always be found on the side that makes for progress and general advancement.

John W. Tullis. The roster of progressive agriculturists of Butler county includes the name of John W. Tullis, whose energetic operations have been carried on near Middletown for several years. He is now the owner of a sixty-nine-acre farm located on the Franklin road, and not only has been successful in tobacco growing, but has also developed an extensive and prosperous dairy business. Mr. Tullis was born at Blue Ball, Warren county, Ohio, in 1882, a son of F. G. and Katy (Myers) Tullis, the former born at Cincinnati, in 1856, and the latter a native of the Busenbark community of Butler county. The father has followed agricultural pursuits all his life and at present is a resident of Butler county, having retired somewhat from active labors. The boyhood and youth of John W. Tullis were passed in much the same manner as those of other farmers' sons in his locality. While he was growing up on the farm, he received his education in the district schools of the vicinity of the homestead and further prepared himself by attending the public schools of Trenton, and when it came to a decision as to his lifework he unhesitatingly chose the vocation of farming. In 1908 he established a home of his own at the time of his marriage to Hannah, daughter of Fred and Mary (Ohm) Helsinger, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Mount Healthy, Ohio, and to this union there have been born two children: Marvin, who died April 13, 1918, at the age of eight years; and Glen. Mr. Tullis has sixty-nine acres of land in a high state

of cultivation and devotes the greater part of his attention to raising tobacco, a field of endeavor in which he has been very successful. He has also developed an extensive and growing dairy business through energetic methods and good business management and maintains a splendid herd of Holstein cattle. His business and personal qualifications entitle him to the confidence and respect of his fellow-townsmen, and the manner in which he has supported beneficial movements has left no doubt as to his public spirit and good citizenship.

Christian Unzicker, a well-known agriculturist of Butler county and whose specialty is truck gardening at Oxford, is a representative of a well known and highly honored family of this part of the Miami valley region. He was born on a farm in Milford township, Butler county, Ohio, April 2, 1842, a son of Daniel and Magdalena (Kahn) Unzicker. His parents, natives of Bavaria, Germany, emigrated to America in young married life, and after a short residence in Canada removed to Pennsylvania, from where they came to Butler county. Daniel Unzicker was born March 4, 1798, and was married January 28, 1821, to Miss Kahn, who was born December 4, 1801. About 1828 they came to Butler county, and for a time resided at Overpeck, but later moved to Milford township, where the father secured eighty acres of land for $300. This was a tract of school land upon which was a small clearing and an old log cabin and stable. Upon this land he erected a stone house, which is still standing, as well as a good barn, and this he continued to farm during the remainder of his life, accumulating 160 acres of valuable property. He died September 18, 1863, at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife survived him until December 28, 1880, being seventy-nine years of age at the time of her demise. He was a Democrat voter, and while not an office seeker was a good and public-spirited citizen. He was a faithful and active member of the Mennonite church, and became a preacher of that faith, and was highly esteemed and respected in the community in which the greater part of his life was spent. He and his worthy wife were the parents of the following children: Peter, deceased, who was a stone mason and farmer, married Catherine Shirtz; Magdalena, deceased, who was the wife of David Augsperger; Valentine, deceased, who was a farmer, married Magdalena Shirtz; Catherine, deceased, who married Jacob Zimmerman, Daniel, deceased, who was a shoemaker and farmer, married Jacobina Berkey; Joseph, deceased, who was a carpenter and farmer, married Magdalena Smucker; Elizabeth, single, who is a resident of Oxford; Barbara, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Schoenbeck; John, deceased, who was a farmer, married Mary Slonacker; Maria, who died in infancy; Jacob, a retired citizen of Collinsville, who married Veronica Slonacker; Christian, of this notice; and David, a farmer of Edwards county, Kans., who married Ella Kessler and after her death Christina Donner. Christian Unzicker secured his educational training in the schools of his home county, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, at the age of twenty-six years,

to Mahala Williams, who was born near Terre Haute, Ind., and died December 16, 1910. They became the parents of six children: Elmer E., an electrician of Dayton, who married Ethel Rake and has two children, - Marion and Frances; Minnie, who married Joe Burns of Milford township and has two children, - Edward and Robert; Clara, who married Fred Ziliox of Hamilton, and has three children, - Edna, Hazel and Louise; Jessie, who married Harry Rhodabaugh of Findlay, Ohio, and has three children, - James, Lewis and Martha; Edna, who has always lived at home, a former teacher at Liberty, Ind., and College Corners and Clifton, Ohio, who is now the popular teacher of the school at Kenton, this state; and Bertha, who has always lived with her parents. After his marriage, Christian Unzicker lived at Collinsville for one year, and then engaged in farming north of this place for six years, near Seven Mile for three years, at Collinsville for another year and near Darrtown for seventeen years. He then purchased a farm from Christian Goldsmith, which he operated successfully for five years, and in 1902 built his present home at 510 Maple avenue, where he has since lived in comfortable semi-retirement. He also carries on truck farming on five acres of land surrounding his comfortable and attractive residence. Mr. Unzicker is a man who is highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances, and his service as a public official has included one term in the position of school director of Milford township. He is a Democrat in his political affiliation, and he and the members of his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jacob Unzicker. Butler county has profited by the stable citizenship and faithful industry of the Unzicker family since the latter twenties. Practically all bearing the name have been interested in agriculture, but their services have been extended also to politics, education, religion and society. Jacob Unzicker, one of the old and honored residents of Collinsville, represents the second generation of this family in the community, and is now living in comfortable retirement after many years spent in agricultural operations. Mr. Unzicker was born on a farm in Milford township, Butler county, Ohio, September 7, 1840, a son of Daniel and Magdalena (Kahn) Unzicker, natives of Bavaria, who emigrated first to Canada and later to Pennsylvania. Daniel Unzicker was born March 4, 1798, and January 28, 1821, married Miss Kahn, who was born December 4, 1801, she dying July 28, 1880, while he passed away September 18, 1863. About 1828 they came to Butler county, Ohio, and for a time resided at Overpeck, but subsequently removed to Milford township, where Mr. Unzicker secured 160 acres. For his first eighty acres he paid $300, this being school land upon which there was a small clearing and an old log cabin and stable. He erected a stone house, which is still standing as one of the community's old landmarks, as well as a good barn, and continued to be engaged in farming all his life. He voted the Democratic ticket but was not an office seeker. A member of the Mennonite church, he became a preacher of that faith, and was a man who was highly esteemed and respected throughout the community. He and his

worthy wife were the parents of the following children: Peter, deceased, who was a stone mason and farmer, married Catherine Shirtz; Magdalena, deceased, who was the wife of David Augsperger; Valentine, deceased, who was a farmer, married Magdalena Shirtz; Catherine, deceased, who married Jacob Zimmerman; Daniel, deceased, who was a shoemaker and farmer, married Jacobina Berkey; Joseph, deceased, who was a carpenter and farmer, married Magdalena Smucker; Barbara, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Schoenbeck; John, deceased, who was a farmer, married Mary Slonacker; Maria, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, single, who is a resident of Oxford, Ohio; Jacob, of this notice; Christian, a resident of Oxford; and David, a farmer of Edwards county, Kan., who married Ella Kessler and after her death Christina Donner. Jacob Unzicker was educated in the home schools and remained on the homestead place up to the time of his marriage, January 9, 1865, to Veronica Slonacker, who was born in Milford township, January 4,1836, a daughter of John and Barbara (Schlatter) Slonacker, natives of Switzerland, the father born May 22, 1809, in the western part, on French soil. Mrs. Unzicker's paternal grandfather married Fanny Lichty, born in France, who died when John Slonacker was five years of age. After her husband's death, in 1814, the grandmother married John Ramseyer, and with her seven children came to the United States on an old sailing vessel which took thirty-five days to make the voyage, landing March 24, 1824. While working on a farm in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Unzicker's father had the pleasure of meeting the great patriot, LaFayette. In 1823 the widow and children settled in Butler county and John Slonacker lived at the home with his mother until his marriage, in June, 1834. Two years later he cast his first presidential vote in favor of Martin Van Buren. Mr. Slonacker purchased a sixty-three acre farm in Milford township, on which was situated an old log cabin and barn, and for fourteen years he made his home there, then moving two miles north of Collinsville, and finally to Collinsville, where he died July 15, 1905, his wife dying March 19, 1896. They had ten children: Mary, deceased, who was the wife of John Unzicker; Fannie; Veronica; John, deceased; Ann, deceased; John, of Trenton, who married Louisa Fink; Christian, deceased; Barbara, deceased, who was the wife of Christian Goldsmith, of Collinsville; Joseph, deceased; Katherine, of Trenton, who married Christian Ummell; and Joseph W., of Hamilton, who married Anna Somer. In 1884, upon the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Slonacker removed to their home at Collinsville, and it was there that Mr. Slonacker passed away December 13,1905. Mr. and Mrs. Unzicker had the following children: John, a teacher of Hamilton, who married Annie Folkerson and after her death Alma Iwig, and has four children, namely, Mrs. Ruth Whiteherst, Paul, Grace and Florence; Mary, born August 11, 1869, married John Dance, of Fowlertown, Ind., and has three children, - Florence, Fern and Lynn; Magdalena, born October 20, 1870, who is residing with her parents; and Daniel, born April 17, 1878, who is farming the home place of his father, married Mary Bauer, and has

two children, - Helen and Fred. After his marriage, Jacob Unzicker was engaged in farming in Stony Hollow, Milford township, for two years and then went to the old home place, where he spent fifteen years. He built the home in 1867 and lived therein until 1884, in December of which year he took up his residence on the old Slonacker place, where he remained until 1904. He then moved to Collinsville, where in 1905 he built his present home, and since then has been retired from active pursuits. He has always been a farmer and a good one, and is a man well known and highly respected in the county, where he has many friends. He has not been a politician or an office seeker, but is a staunch Democrat and has recognized and fully discharged the duties of citizenship, having served efficiently and conscientiously as a school director of Milford township for nine years and as assessor for one year. His personal probity and integrity have won the confidence of the people of his locality, where he is an influential factor in securing the adoption of measures for the civic welfare. He and his wife are faithful members of the Mennonite church at Trenton, while his daughter, Magdalena, belongs to the Presbyterian church at Collinsville.

Benjamin Harrison Upton. One of the younger generation of dependable workers at the Middletown plant of the American Rolling mill, Benjamin Harrison Upton belongs also to the category in which is included the self-made men of this plant, for the success that he has gained has been entirely of his own making, he having started out in life with naught to aid him except his own ambition and determination. He was born January 1, 1888, in Kenton county, Ky., a son of John and Alameda (Feder) Upton. The family moved to Middletown in 1896, and here Mrs. Upton died September 20, 1910, while the father still survives. There were ten children in the family, and those still living make their home at Middletown: Addie, the wife of George Nill; Clara; Nathan; Robert; Margaret, the wife of Fred Baker; Walter, who is deceased; Ethel, the wife of Elmer Jewell; Benjamin H.; Mabel and Mildred. Benjamin H. Upton was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to Middletown, and in the public schools of this community his educational training was procured. Following his completion of studies he began to learn his trade in the plant of the American Rolling mill, with which large concern he has continued to be connected, at this time holding the responsible position of sheet roller. His reliability in the discharge of his duties and his fidelity to the best interests of the plant have gained him the confidence of his superiors, while at the same time he has won the friendship and esteem of his fellow-workers that is only obtained through a display of good comradeship and a strict living up to responsibilities. He is a self-made man in the strictest sense of the word and is eminently deserving of the prosperity that has come to him. One of Mr. Upton's most admirable characteristics is his devotion to his brothers and sisters. Since the death of his mother, he has not only made a home for his two younger sisters, but has put them through school and given them the advantages of a business college education at Dayton. He is a man of intelligence and strong force

of character and in his political stand takes the viewpoint of principle rather than of party. His religious connection is with the United Brethren church. June 27, 1908, Mr. Upton was united in marriage with Miss Angie Taylor, who was born March 13, 1889, at Portsmouth.. Ohio, daughter of Leonard Wesley and Fannie (Brimmer) Taylor, of Batavia, Ohio. The mother of Mrs. Upton died in 1891, while the father still survives and makes his home at Portsmouth. Three sisters and one brother of Mrs. Upton are deceased: one who died in infancy, Clifford, Winnie and Bessie. Another brother, Charles L. Taylor, who married Nellie Brant, resides at Columbus, O., and has one child, - Laura Angeline. Mr. and Mrs. Upton have no children. Mrs. Upton has taken a helpful interest in church work, being secretary of the Sunshine Circle and active in the Missionary society. Mr. and Mrs. Upton have as their home a beautiful brick residence, known as Upton Villa, located on Linden avenue in Arlington square.

V. P. Urbain, M. D. and D.O., osteopathic physician, who has been engaged in a successful practice at Hamilton since 1902, was born in Peoria county, Ill., in 1873, and his early schooling was received at Kirkville, Iowa, whither his parents had removed when he was a small lad. Leaving school, he worked on a farm with his parents and in the meantime attended high school, and in 1898 entered the School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Mo., from which he was duly graduated in 1900, with the degree of D. O. Later he went to Chicago, where, in 1903, he received the degree of M. D. from the Hahnemann Medical college, and later, in 1911, graduated from the Eclectic Medical college, of Cincinnati. In the meantime, in 1902, Doctor Urbain had settled at Hamilton, where he had established himself in practice, and where he has since built up a splendid clientele and reached an enviable place in the ranks of his calling. His sister, Dr. Mary Urbain, a graduate of the School of Osteopathy, Kirksville, Mo., class of 1900, is associated with him in practice. Doctor V. P. Urbain is a member of the Ohio State Eclectic and the National Eclectic Medical societies, the American Osteopathic association and the Southwest Ohio Medical association. His fraternal affiliations include membership in the lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. As a voter, the Doctor supports the Democratic party's candidates and policies, and he and the members of his family belong to the Catholic church. Doctor Urbain was united in matrimony in 1905 with Miss Jessie Handy, and to this union there have been born two sons: Joseph and Paul.

M. D. Urmston. One of the best improved and most attractive farms in Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, is the property of M. D. Urmston, who not only takes a personal pride in adopting every modern facility which an up to date farm should have, but he does everything in his power to encourage scientific farm methods on the part of his neighbor so that the prestige of the township in the realm of agriculture may be maintained. He is of the most pronounced type of the progressive young farmer and

realizes that the future for his holdings is such that he should not neglect any opportunity to make the best of his good fortune. He comes from a family that is in position to point to record of achievement as agriculturists. Born in Fairfield township, Butler county, Ohio, he was one of six children of Benton E. and Martha Ellen (Emerick) Urmston, the other children being: Bessie Alma, Murray David, Paul Robert, Nellie Irene, Earl Benton and Hugh James, now deceased. The father was a native of Butler county, having been born May 16, 1849. He received his early schooling in Butler county and later attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. He assisted in operating his father's farm until his marriage, when he purchased the farm on which he is now living in Fairfield township. This farm has always yielded most gratifying returns from a financial standpoint and is improved with a modern home. At one time he owned four hundred acres of land in this locality. His wife was born in Hanover township, Butler county, January 24, 1854. Benton Urmston's father was David Urmston, who was a native of England and emigrated to this country, locating in Butler county, where he entered a section of land four miles east of Hamilton, which became known as the Urmston homestead. He married Mary Enyeart, a native of New Jersey, and to this union seven children were born, David being the youngest. In his time he was prominent in the politics of Butler county, holding a number of public offices. He married Nancy Stone, who was born on the old Stone homestead in Fairfield township, Butler county, and the daughter of Thomas Stone, a native of Ireland, and an early settler in the county. To this union seven children were born - John, Mary, Jennie, Benton, father of M. D. Urmston, Emma F., Bell and Robert. M. D. Urmston received his education in the schools of Fairfield township. Later he was graduated from the high school at Hamilton, Ohio, in 1897, and then attended business college in Hamilton one year. He returned to farming with his father and remained with him until he launched out for himself in 1907 on the farm which he is now occupying. This tract consists of 220 acres and it may be said to the credit of Mr. Urmston that every acre is productive. Besides general farming he is a breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle and this adjunct of the business has been growing in importance from year to year. In 1906 he married Miss Ora Gertrude Howald and two children were born to this union: Dorothy and Louise. He has been a member of the Butler County Fair Board a number of years and has served as secretary of this organization for the last three years. He has membership in the K. of P. and is an Elk. He is much impressed with the agricultural future of Liberty township and may always be found behind movements that will promote the best interests of his community.

Samuel E. Vail, who for some years followed various occupations other than agriculture, but who is now the owner and operator of a handsome farm of 112 acres in Union township, is a product of the farm, born in Hamilton county, Ohio, March 30, 1862, a son of Samuel and Keziah Vail, who passed their lives as agricultural people of Hamilton county, and a grandson of Samuel Vail, of New

Jersey, who also applied himself to the cultivation of the soil throughout his career. Samuel E. Vail was one of a family of seven children, of whom five are now living, and received his education in the public schools of Hamilton county. Until he was twenty-five years of age he was associated with his father on the home place, and at that time was married and took up his residence at Dayton, where he secured employment in the large car shops of Barney & Smith. Several years later he went to Evansville, Ind., where for five years he worked in the ice plant, his next location being Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed several years by the Big Four railroad. Coming to Butler county at that time, he invested his savings in a farm of 112 acres, located in Union township, and here he has succeeded through well-directed industry in developing a productive and well-improved property. He is a Democrat but not an office-seeker, and is a supporter of all beneficial movements promoted in his community. With his family, he belongs to the Catholic church at West Chester. Mr. Vail married Elizabeth, daughter of Gabriel Wirsch, and they are the parents of one son: Samuel, a farmer of Union township, who married Marie Apkin, and has three children - William, Charles and Mary Catherine.

Fred VanAtta, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Klamroth) VanAtta, was born at Weston, Wood county, Ohio, August 29, 1874. The family moved to Findlay, Ohio, where Fred attended school in District No. 9. After leaving school he commenced railroad work and rapidly advanced to the position of engineer, which vocation he followed for many years. About fourteen years ago, he became associated with the American Rolling Mill company, at Middletown, as a machinist, and ranks high for efficiency and capability. Mr. VanAtta was married December 30, 1897, to Emma Rice, daughter of James and Amelia (Field) Rice, of Williamsburg, Ohio. Mr. VanAtta had a sister and three brothers: the sister died in infancy; George and Harvey live in Findlay, Ohio; Charles, in Erie, Pa. His father, a veteran of the Civil war, died in 1911; his mother, March 20, 1877. Mrs. VanAtta's father lives at Williamsburg; her mother died in March, 1908. Her grandfather was a Civil war veteran. Mrs. VanAtta had two sisters, Mrs. Harry Moyer at Waynesburg, Ohio, and Mrs. Frank Rick at Cincinnati. Mrs. Rick has since passed away. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. VanAtta - James Homer and Samuel Gage. James Homer, born September 13, 1899, graduated from the Middletown High school class of 1917, and immediately thereafter entered the U. S. Navy as a landsman for yeomen and was advanced to yeoman of first class and made three trips to Brest and one to Bordeaux. He is now ship's writer on the U. S. S. Camden, stationed at Philadelphia. He took his first training at Newport, R. I., and completing there an 8-months' course in 6 weeks, was placed in charge of the secret codes. He had over one thousand men and many vessels under his supervision. Samuel Gage was born February 6, 1902; was educated in the public schools of Middletown and was attending the Ohio Mechanical institute at Cincinnati when he enlisted

with the U. S. Marines. He is a bugler with Company D, 11th regiment Marines; became a pistol expert at Quantico and a rifle expert at Paris Island. He served eleven months in France and his company was in readiness to go over the top when the armistice was signed. The parents are justly proud of their sons - brilliant young men of fine appearance, almost six feet in height and robust physique. Mr. VanAtta is an Odd Fellow, and a speaker of some note and is often called upon to address various meetings of the order. In church relations, he is a Methodist; in politics a Republican.

Robert C. Van Derveer, who since his arrival at Middletown in 1899 has built up a large and flourishing business from small beginnings, is now proprietor of the Union laundry and one of his community's substantial business men. He has likewise been identified more or less prominently with public matters, having served as president of the city council and in other capacities. Mr. Van Derveer was born near Carlisle, Warren county, Ohio, November 10, 1866, a son of Tunis and Lydia Van Derveer. The name of this family figures prominently in the early settlement of Warren county, as well as in its later progress and development, for members of the family were among the pioneers and their descendants have contributed in marked degree to the movements which have brought forth a prosperous and thriving community. The great-grandfather of Robert C. Van Derveer was Tunis Van Derveer, who came from New Jersey to the locality which afterward included the town of Carlisle, in 1804, on a prospecting trip, and, liking the country and seeing its future prosperity, bought a large tract of land. At that time he returned to New Jersey, but in 1813 again came to Warren county, this time to remain and to aid in the work of settlement. With him on his second trip came his son, Benjamin Van Derveer, who likewise aided in the work of paving the way for civilization, and who, like his father, passed the remaining years of his life here in clearing and cultivating a farm. Following in their footsteps was the second Tunis, father of Robert C. Van Derveer, who was born at the little settlement of Carlisle, which later grew into a colony and then a thriving town. His early years were passed amid primitive surroundings and his education limited to attendance at the public schools, but he became a successful man in his later years and was looked upon as one of his community's successful and substantial agriculturists. Robert C. Van Derveer grew to manhood on his father's farm and secured his education in the public schools. While his ancestors for a number of generations had been farmers, he did not take kindly to an agricultural life, his tendencies running more in the direction of trade and commerce. Accordingly, in 1899, he came to Middletown, where he started a small venture which he called the Union laundry. Modest at its inception, this enterprise grew with the city and flourished under Mr. Van Derveer's energetic management, so that today it is recognized as one of the substantial establishments of the city. He now controls a large and representative business of the best class of patronage. Mr. Van Derveer, as before noted, has found time from

his business duties to devote to public matters, and has been an active worker in movements which have benefited civic conditions. Recognized as a man of force of character and ability, he has been elected by his fellow-citizens to positions of trust and responsibility, having served capably as president of the city council and in various other capacities. His political belief causes him to give his support to the Republican party, and his fraternal affiliations are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. With his family, he belongs to the Presbyterian church. Mr. Van Derveer was married, in 1900, to Elma, daughter of William and Minerva Wilson, of Red Lion, Ohio, and three children have been born to this union: Esther, Robert Wilson and Dorothy.

Robert Van Ness, who was formerly an implement dealer and also identified with the handling of fruit, and who, since 1916, has not engaged in active labor, was born in Franklin county, Ind., January 17, 1874, a son of Thomas W. and Jane (Riggs) Van Ness, natives of Butler county, Ohio, where the former was born on a Riley township farm. Some time after the birth of their son Robert, the parents removed to Franklin county, Ind., where they rounded out long and honorable careers in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and where both passed away. They became the parents of the following children: John, who is a retired citizen of Oxford; Gideon, who still carries on farming on the home place in Franklin county; Mathew P.; Robert; Lucy, who became the wife of Albert Coffey, of Franklin county, where they make their home; and one child who died at the age of six years. The parents of these children were highly esteemed in the several communities in which they made their home, and reared their children to lives of probity and usefulness. Robert Van Ness was reared on the homestead in Franklin county, Ind., in the vicinity of which he secured his education in the country schools, making the most of his opportunities and gleaning all the information obtainable, so that today he is a well-educated and broadly informed man. For a time he applied himself to farming, but finally became interested in the implement business, and was the proprietor of such an establishment in Oxford. For some years he continued to be engaged in this, building up a large and important business, but finally disposed of his interests therein and turned his attention to the fruit business, buying and selling in carload lots. This also proved to be a prosperous business, under his capable and energetic management. In 1916, he retired from active participation in business affairs, and since then has been living quietly in his comfortable home at Oxford, a modern residence which he had erected in 1910. Mr. Van Ness was married June 2, 1901, at Oxford, to Anna, daughter of James and Sarah (Simpson) Salyer, farming people just outside of the corporation limits of Oxford, in Oxford township, where they are well known and highly esteemed. There were eight children in the Salyer family: Emmett; Erry; Denver; Maude; Susan; Anna, now Mrs. Van Ness; Ida, the wife of Harry Hammond, an automobile dealer of Oxford; and Clifford. Mrs. Van Ness is a woman of sterling qualities, whose faithful assistance has greatly

Frank K. Vaughn. Hamilton is pre-eminently an industrial center. Its industries are far-famed for the excellence of their products, and to Hamilton is due, in great measure, the credit of contributing a very generous share to the sum total of Ohio's reputation as one of the foremost states in the Union. The growth of Hamilton has been steady and substantial. Some of its products are known throughout the country as the best in their line. Its business men are progressive and alive to all avenues of progress. To them, in the largest sense, is due the present activities in all lines that mean a better and a greater Hamilton. Among the important factors in the growth of this community are those concerned in the building trades and actual physical development of its expansion. One of those who has been vitally concerned in this avenue of endeavor is Frank K. Vaughn, the well-known builder and contractor. Frank K. Vaughn was born June 4, 1883, at Otsego, Mich., the son of Robert J., and Ada (Martin) Vaughn. His father was a native of Michigan of Welsh descent, his mother being of old American stock. The great grandfather of Frank K. Vaughn emigrated from Wales and became one of the early pioneers of Michigan. To Robert Vaughn and wife were born the following children: Robert J., Floyd, Charles, Deo Martin, the latter living in Michigan and the rest now residing in Oregon. Deo Martin is a veteran of the Spanish-American war. Mrs. Robert Vaughn is still living, as is also her father, who is now eighty-four years of age. Frank K. Vaughn attended a county school in District No. 9 in the township of Otsego and later attended high school of Otsego, graduating from same, subsequently attending college at Kalamazoo. He later attended Ann Arbor university, graduating from the civil engineering department, taking his college degree in this department. During his active life as an engineer he became a member of the National scientific bodies and is well-known throughout the country among the craftsmen of this line. It may be mentioned in passing that Mr. Vaughn took honors at the time of his graduation. His application as a student earned him high honors at college and served him well in the practical affairs of his later life. Mr. Vaughn entered his active career with the McClintock-Marshall company, coming to Hamilton as supervisor for this company in the erection of Niles Tool company. He remained here and on March 1, 1911, he with Webb Cullen, engaged in the contracting business. This partnership lasted until May, 1916. At this time Mr. Vaughn engaged in business as the F. K. Vaughn Building company, doing' a general contracting business. Since engaging in business, he has earned a reputation second to none in this region, as a designer and builder. While in partnership with Mr. Cullen and since the formation of the latter company, there has been constructed the Y. M. C. A. building at Hamilton, also the Y. M. C. A. building at Staunton, Va., the birthplace of President Wilson, and other buildings locally and throughout the country. In May, 1919, the Vaughn company engaged in the construction of the new Ford plant at Hamilton. This

marks the beginning, of what many Hamiltonians feel, is a new epoch in the history of Hamilton. The hopes of a greater Hamilton are largely built up on the outcome of this enterprise. When these hopes become a reality it should be a source of gratification to Mr. Vaughn to know that he was entrusted with the building of the edifice that marked the beginning of Hamilton's real greatness as a manufacturing center. Mr. Vaughn was married at Pittsburg, Pa., to Mabel E. Krauss, daughter of Otto Krauss and wife of Cleveland, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn has been born one daughter, Marion E., who is attending the local schools. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn were active in all the various drives for the sale of war bonds and stamps, and contributed generously of their time and means for the success of all movements, attendant to the World war in this locality. In the roster of those who have in great measure given to Hamilton its present enviable reputation, and who have assured its solid growth for the future, Mr. Vaughn should be regarded as an indispensable factor, not only as a private citizen but as a constructionist, builder of edifices and a builder of enduring character and reputation, which we venture will last as long, and longer than those institutions which his craftsmanship has wrought so well.

Edward Veidt. When he was fourteen years of age, opportunity knocked at Edward Veidt's door in the guise of a position as stock buyer. His capital was but $15.00 and his knowledge of the business had been largely gained through his association with stockmen frequenting the meat market conducted by his father, but this did not keep him from plunging enthusiastically into the work. So well has he improved his opportunities that today he is one of the prominent stockmen of the Miami valley, and his business has been developed into huge proportions. Mr. Veidt was born at Seven Mile, O., November 7, 1867, a son of John Veidt, of Baden, Germany, who died in 1913 at the age of seventy-five years. John Veidt was born March 25, 1837, and was reared by a stepfather, his own father having died when he was a babe of two months. Until he was fourteen years of age he attended school, and then learned the trade of brick layer, a vocation which he followed until coming to the United States in 1854. His first settlement was at Cincinnati, where he secured employment in a meat market, and five years later came to Butler county, and resided three years in Milford township. He then took up his residence at Seven Mile, where he continued to be engaged in the stock buying and butcher business until his demise. Mr. Veidt was married in 1859 to Miss Barbara Kern, of Germany, and they became the parents of these children: Charles, who is a merchant in Alaska; John who met an accidental death, being frozen in Alaska in 1915; Henry, who is engaged in farming in Kansas; William, a ranchman in California; George, who is a farmer and land dealer in Canada; Harry, a paper maker of Middletown, Ohio; Albert, a farmer in Madison township, Butler county; Thomas, who is deceased; Edward, who is the subject of this review; Mary, who is single and a nurse in New York city; Lulu, who lives in California; Selma, of Chicago, Ill., the wife

of N. N. White; Kate, of Rochester, N. Y., the wife of Michael Zonevally; and Lillian, who died at the age of twenty-one years. John Veidt was a Republican, a man of strong force of character and moral integrity, and a citizen who was well known and highly respected. Edward Veidt passed his boyhood days at Collinsville, O., where he attended the public schools, and began his career in connection with the stock business when he was but fourteen years of age. At that time, as before noted, his capital amounted to but $15.00, but many times that amount was represented by his enthusiasm and youthful determination. From the start he made a success of his operations, and after seven years in his home community he went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he established himself in business on a more pretentious scale. In 1891, he located at Middletown, where he was in the same business, in addition to which he worked for a time for his brother in the transfer business, in connection with a wholesale oyster firm. While in Milwaukee, he also was associated with his brother, Charles, in the butcher business. Mr. Veidt is now the owner of large farming interests and feeding grounds in West Middletown, and does an extensive business, buying his cattle in Butler and other counties. He has succeeded from the start, and a large part of the credit for his success should doubtless be given to the fact that he has always conducted his affairs in a strictly honorable and above-board manner. He is a Democrat in his political views and has always taken an interest in county affairs, although not himself an office-seeker. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian church, to which Mrs. Veidt also belongs.

Reverend F. B. Veil. Of the religious denominations represented in Hamilton, the Roman Catholic church has perhaps, a greater representation than any other single denomination. Of the priests who have ministered to the faithful in Hamilton, none is better known than the beloved Father Veil of St. Peter's church. Father Veil was born in Germany, in which country he received his preliminary training in ecclesiastical duties. After his arrival in America he continued his studies at St. Francis seminary, Milwaukee, Wis. After completing his studies at this place, he supplemented this with further study at St. Mary's seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. Subsequently, he took charge of the assistant pastorate of St. Mary's church at Marion, Ohio. He later returned to Cincinnati, becoming assistant pastor of St. Boniface church at that place. Leaving here, he became pastor of the Catholic church at Boston, Clermont county, Ohio. On September 1, 1913, he came to Hamilton, assuming the pastorate of St. Peter's church. During his pastorate of St. Peter's he has displayed a zealous interest in the care of his flock, and has discharged all his duties in a very acceptable manner. He has endeared himself to the many communicants who have come under his ministrations, and has earned a place in the affections of many others of the community, regardless of creed. George M. Verity, president of The American Rolling Mill company of Middletown, Ohio, is man of whom, in writing of the Miami valley, it may be well said "he is a native here and to the

manner born." His birth occurred not far from the source of the Great Miami river at East Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, April 22, 1865, and he is a son of Jonathan and Mary Ann (Deaton) Verity. He acquired his early education in the common schools and in 1884 was graduated from the high school at Georgetown, this state. After a regular commercial course in the Nelson Commercial college at Cincinnati, he secured a position as bookkeeper and manager of the W. C. Standish Wholesale Grocery company of that city. In February, 1889, at the age of twenty-three, without previous knowledge of the business, he became manager of the Sagendorph Iron Roofing and Corrugating company of Cincinnati. This company manufactured sheet metal building material of all kinds, and in 1891 it was reorganized as the American Steel Roofing company of which Mr. Verity was elected vice-president and manager. He held this position until the company was absorbed by The American Rolling Mill company of Middletown, Ohio. Of this last named company he has been president and general manager since the date of organization, December 27, 1899. The rise of this company to a commanding place in the steel industry of the United States may be considered a direct result of the genius of its president for successful management in large affairs, and his ability to secure the cooperation of the many other individuals and interests necessary in its success. This company is written of more at length elsewhere in these volumes. As an evidence of the esteem in which his judgment is held among persons of high responsibility in the business world it may be noted that he is a director of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing company, Pittsburgh, Pa.; the Fifth-Third National bank, Cincinnati, Ohio; the First National bank, Middletown, Ohio; the Cincinnati Rubber Manufacturing company, Cincinnati, Ohio; and was a director of the Business Men's club, Cincinnati, from 1895 to 1898, and its president during the year 1897-98. His geniality and his social popularity are indicated by his membership in the following clubs: Dayton City club and Dayton Country club, Dayton, Ohio; Rocky Mountain club, Railroad club, and Ohio Society of New York, New York city; Duquesne club, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Chamber of Commerce, and Hamilton County Golf club, Cincinnati, Ohio; and the Annandale Golf club, Pasadena, Cal. Mr. Verity was married October 19, 1887, to Miss Jennie M. Standish of Newport, Ky., and three children have blessed their union: Calvin W. Verity, Mrs. Charles R. Hook, and Miss Sara G. Verity.

Peter Vinson. During a period of more than half a century, the late Peter Vinson was one of the honored citizens of the Miami Valley where, from humble beginnings, he worked his way to a position of substantiality and independence in his community. A man of varied abilities, his life held out to him opportunities for participation in several kinds of business, and as merchant, farmer and willow grower he met with equal success, while as a citizen he was always respected and esteemed. Mr. Vinson was born in Germany, in 1832, and at the age of twenty-two years emigrated to the United States, arriving alone at Hamilton, Ohio, August 5, 1854. He had no finances to speak of and his knowledge of the language

was indifferent, but he had the willingness to work and the ability to do things thoroughly and well, and for two years continued at Hamilton, being variously employed. Removing to Darrtown, he was married in 1856 to Catherine Schmitt, a native of Baden, Germany. For a number of years at Darrtown Mr. Vinson was a merchant and highly esteemed in business circles as a man of integrity and upright business principles, and in addition was the owner of a farm, specializing in willow-growing, his product being shipped to Milwaukee, Philadelphia, New York, New Orleans, St. Louis, Cincinnati and other points. He was a member of St. John's church of Hamilton for many years and was fraternally affiliated with the Masons and Odd Fellows at Hamilton and Oxford and the Rebekahs at Darrtown. In his death, in 1908, his community lost a valued and valuable citizen. Mrs. Vinson died in 1904. They were the parents of two children: Mary and Wilhelmina. The later, now deceased, having passed away May 5, 1891, married the late William Pfaff, and they had two children: Clement and Norma. Mary, the first child, was married March 13, 1877, to Jacob Liebrich, a tailor by trade, who came from his native Germany to the United States in 1875, and settled at Darrtown. Later he turned his attention to farming and the willow-growing business, and Mrs. Liebrich is now the owner of two fine farms in the Darrtown vicinity, of thirty-seven acres and ninety-seven acres, respectively. She is a woman of many accomplishments, and has numerous friends in the county, and is particularly active in the work of St. John's church at Hamilton, of which she has been a member for many years. She and her husband have two children: Augusta Mary, who married Otto Hirtzel of Cincinnati; and Peter W., conducting a truck farm at Darrtown, who married Myrtle Grau and has two children: Luther W. and Augusta.

Jacob Vizedom, of German parentage, was born in Hanover township, Butler county, February 6, 1853, a son of Jacob and Catherine Vizedom. His father came to America when a young man and located in Hamilton, working there as a laborer for several years. After his marriage he entered upon the occupation of farming; first as a renter, but later as a landowner, buying a farm of 160 acres in Hanover township, where he resided until the time of his death. Five children, four of whom survive him: George, William, Barbara and Jacob, the subject of this sketch, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vizedom. Jacob received his education in Hanover township and after completing his schooling he took up farming with his father, following whose death he remained on the homestead with his mother till 1886. In that year, he married and moved to Liberty township, locating on the farm of 240 acres, which he at present rents. Mr. Vizedom also owns 171 acres in this township and is one of the most substantial and prosperous farmers to be met with anywhere in the county. By unflagging zeal and well-directed effort he has brought his farms to an exceptionally high degree of efficiency, and is valued in the community as an upright and straightforward representative of the best type of American citizenship. In 1886, he was united in marriage to Susan Ann, a daughter of George Harold, and their

marriage has been blessed with the following children: Anna, married George Brant and has one child, Ruth; Carl, married Charity Barnhouse and has one son, Homer; Edna and Walter both of whom are unmarried residing with their parents. Mr. Vizedom of late years has devoted considerable time and talent to the breeding of fine stock and has gained an enviable reputation locally as an exponent of this department of agriculture. He has never engaged in active politics beyond confining himself to voting for the right man to the right office. His religious affiliation is with St. John's Lutheran church.

Leonard Vogel. Undoubtedly, no other county in Ohio can boast of more successful and energetic farmers than Butler and the distinction achieved in this regard years ago is being admirably maintained. Among those worthy of special mention is Leonard Vogel, who is not only one of the most popular of the many agriculturists of this section, but he is also one of the most progressive and the good fortune that he has had with his land might well be emulated by those who would develop their efforts to the highest point of efficiency. Born in Fairfield township, Butler county, he has always been one of the most consistent advocates of the employment of modern methods in farming and is always prepared to lend his counsel in bettering the lot of other agriculturists who would develop their holdings to the greatest productivity. He is typical of those Ohio agriculturists who manifest a sincere interest in having their native state rank among the first in the matter of its crop resources and it is gratifying to note that each succeeding year since he has operated his fertile acres he has had the satisfaction of witnessing a marked increase in returns. One of eight children of Conrad and Mary Vogel was born in Fairfield township, February 12, 1864. Two of the children died, the others now living besides Leonard being John, Christopher, Conrad, Anna and Mary. His parents were both natives of Germany and came to this country when single and located in Butler county, Ohio. The father obtained employment as a farm hand and after practicing the greatest frugality rented a farm in Butler county, which he operated successfully a number of years. He later moved to South Hamilton, Ohio, where he was engaged in the liquor business for about twenty years. The parents of Mrs. Leonard Vogel were George Lintner and Anna Marie Rahmes, both natives of Germany. When a young man the father came to the United States and located in Cincinnati. He had heard much of the desirability of ownership of farm lands in Butler county and accordingly purchased a one hundred-acre tract in Fairfield township, which he operated successfully until his death, January 22, 1912. His wife died July 6, 1902. These children were born to this couple: Miss Abbie, who married George Schoenberger; Pauline, wife of Joseph Smith; Barbara, who makes her home with Leonard Vogel and wife; Margaret, wife of George Vogel; Mary, wife of Leonard Vogel; and Catharine, wife of John Smith. Leonard Vogel thus began life with the knowledge that he was of honorable ancestry, of that type of manhood and womanhood so characteristic of the early settlers of Ohio who had a genuine interest in the future

of the state and were determined to do all in their power to aid in its agricultural development. After receiving his education in the public schools of Hamilton, Ohio, he worked as a farm hand for George Lintner for twenty-six years, which is sufficient evidence of his stick-to-it-iveness. Later he acquired ownership of the Lintner farm of 100 acres in Fairfield township, which he is still operating so successfully. His wife, who was Mary Lintner, was the daughter of George and Marie Lintner. One child was born to them, Miss Elsie, who became the wife of Arthur Luechauer. One child was born to this couple, Miss Saloma.

Fred Waggoner, who is a well-known farmer and stock raiser of Union township, Butler county, has won universal esteem and marked success through the possession of energy, honesty and progressiveness. He is a native of Warren county, Ohio, born November 7, 1877, a son of Jesse and Hannah (Parker) Waggoner, also natives of that county. The father, educated in the public schools, was reared as a farmer on the farm of his father, Ventle Waggoner, who had emigrated to Warren county from that part of Virginia now included in West Virginia at an early day in the history of the Buckeye state. The family has been noted for its honorable connection with business, agricultural and social life, and Jesse Waggoner proved no exception to the family rule, being in every way a stable and reliable citizen. He farmed as a renter throughout his life in Warren county, where he died, leaving four children: Fred, Lennie, Charles and George. Fred Waggoner was educated in the public schools of Warren county, Ohio, and Hancock county, Iowa, in which latter state his father had resided for several years during the son's boyhood. The latter remained under the parental roof until 1901, in which year he came to Union township, Butler county, and here has since been engaged in agricultural operations. At this time he rents 300 acres of fertile land, on which he carries on general farming and also raises stock, and his operations have been uniformly satisfying and successful. He raises about seventy-five head of hogs annually, for which he finds a good market, and has about fifty acres of his property in corn. A believer in modern methods, he has directed his activities intelligently, with the result that he has placed himself among the substantial agriculturists of his neighborhood. Mr. Waggoner is a Republican, and his only fraternal connection is with the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Mason, Ohio. In 1900, he was united in marriage with Elsie, daughter of Robert H. and Rachael (Wyle) McClung, and they have had five children: Ethel, Robert, Willard, Elma and Millard, the last two of whom are deceased.

Albert P. Wagner. Found prominently among the old and honored business houses of Hamilton which can boast of clean and commendable records of more than twenty years, is that of Albert P. Wagner, than which funeral directing business none can be said to have in greater degree the confidence of the general public. Albert P. Wagner was born at Hamilton, Ohio, October 22, 1865, a son of John and Sophia (Straub) Wagner, and a grandson of George Adam and Margaret Wagner, who came to the United States when past

middle age, after the advent here of their son, and rounded out long and usful lives in the land of their adoption. John Wagner was born in 1836, at Berglundstadt, Bavaria, Germany, and was twenty years of age when he emigrated to America. Locating at Hamilton, he established himself in business as a shoemaker, a trade which he had learned in his native land, on High street, opposite the court house, and prospered exceedingly, a fact which led him to engage in other ventures. With his brother Adam he bought the old Washington brewery, but in this enterprise was not fortunate, suffering heavy losses, and eventually went back to the shoe business, at 808 Central avenue, an establishment which he conducted until his death in 1892. Mr. Wagner was united in marriage with Sophia Straub, born and raised in St. Clair township, Butler county, who died in 1885, a daughter of Thaddeus and Priska Straub, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, and early settlers of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner. were faithful members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and the parents of ten children: Albert P., of this notice; Frank J., a moulder of Lindenwald, Ohio; Mary L., the wife of Andrew Goetz, of Dayton; Anna J., wife of Oscar De Ryan of Dayton; and Edward G., of Dayton; the others being deceased. John R., a plumber, was accidentally killed by a Pennsylvania railroad train, June 13, 1916, leaving a widow, who had been Ora K. Wittman, and two daughters, Alberta and Jeannette. Albert P. Wagner was educated in the public and parochial schools and started to learn the machinist's trade at the age of fifteen years. His first employment was at the Niles Tool works, and subsequently he went to St. Louis, where he was employed at his trade, that of machinist, for two years, and in 1898 he went to Kansas City, Mo., where he entered the undertaking establishment of his cousin, John W. Wagner, and eventually decided upon entering that profession. On December 1st of that year he returned to his home at Hamilton, where he embarked in business on his own account at 124 Ludlow street. After two years he removed to more commodious and better equipped quarters at 337 Ludlow street, where he has complete equipment of every kind for the proper and reverent care of the dead. Mr. Wagner was married in October, 1903, to Minnie Gressle, of Hamilton, a daughter of John and Mary Gressle, the former of whom was a foreman in the Long & Allstatter Pattern works at Hamilton. Mr. Gressle died in October, 1908, and his widow in December, 1913, she being a member of the Catholic faith. Mr. Wagner is a member of the Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, of which he was the first dictator and a continuously active member towards its success, the Knights of Columbus, the Monkey Mutual Aid, the West Side Aid society, the Walnut Aid society, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Degree of Honor and St. George Benevolent society, and he and Mrs. Wagner are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. Mr. Wagner possesses a tenor voice of power, quality and purity, and has frequently appeared in public as a soloist, particularly in church entertainments. His tendencies make him a Democrat, although he is not a politician. A man of genial nature, he is easy of approach and is the possessor

John L. Wagner. A lifelong resident of Butler county, John L. Wagner has contributed to the progress of his home community through the development of the old homestead farm in Madison township, as well as by active participation in township affairs. He was born on the farm which he now owns and occupies, on section 34, Brown's Run, and is a son of Lewis and Harriet (Gephart) Wagner. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Wagner was Peter Gephart, of Pennsylvania, who migrated early to Butler county and settled on Brown's Run, Madison township, where he cleared a farm and made a home. He was one of the prominent characters of his day, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years, his wife, who had been a Miss Gephart, also living to an old age. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Wagner was Christopher Wagner, a native of Germany, who passed his life in that country. Lewis Wagner, father of John L., was also born in Germany, but left that country in young manhood, emigrating to the United States. While he was a man of marked inherent talents and a linguist who could speak seven languages, he was only a poor youth when he arrived in this country, and was forced to take what honorable employment presented itself. Locating at Hamilton, he began work in a foundry, where his industry and fidelity earned his promotion and advancement in wages, the latter of which, being thrifty, he saved and wisely invested. When the opportunity came, during the Civil war, he bought a hotel at Middletown, which he conducted for several years, and then bought a farm of 160 acres, located in Madison township, Butler county. At that time there was only a little clearing made, on which stood a small house and several little outbuildings, but within a few years after his settlement this property was well cleared and cultivated and boasted of a good set of buildings. Mr. Wagner became well and favorably known as a man of ability, integrity and public spirit, assisted in civic affairs, and served for a number of years as school director and in other minor offices. He was a Democrat in his political affiliation and a member of the Baptist church, in the faith of which he died in 1903, aged eighty-three years, while his wife passed away in the Methodist faith, in 1901, when sixty-eight years of age. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are living: John L.; Ed, for thirty-four years an engineer on the Clover Leaf railroad, out of Toledo; Mary, the wife of Samuel Hurst; Lizzie, the wife of John Kemp; Peter, who died in 1900, at the age of forty years; and William, who passed away when thirty-five years of age. John L. Wagner was brought up to habits of industry and thoroughness and was given a public school education in Madison township. He remained on the homestead, and in 1893 was united in marriage with Eva M. Joy, of Frederick county, Md., a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Routson) Joy, natives of Maryland, who came to Ohio in 1880 and located at Franklin. Mr. Joy worked on the railroad and also farmed in Warren county, and for the past twenty years has followed the trade of carpenter at Miamisburg, where Mrs. Joy died in 1893. They were the parents of six children: Mrs. Wagner; Oscar and Spender, residents of Miamisburg; Harry, who

is deceased; Mary, of Ellerton, O. ; and Mamie, of Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have four children: Edna, Ida, Alma and Clarence. Mr. Wagner has always been a farmer. After purchasing the old home place he built or remodeled all the buildings and has made many valuable improvements, all of which have enhanced both the value and the attractiveness of the property. He now has 158 acres, with 100 acres of plow land, and carries on general farming, raising wheat, corn, hay and tobacco, and breeding all kinds of live stock. He has proven himself a skilled and well informed agriculturist and a man of strict business integrity. Mr. Wagner is one whose progressive spirit is a valuable asset to his community, and in addition to taking keen and helpful interest in township affairs he has served for a number of years as a member of the school board of directors. He and the members of his family belong to the Reformed church.

Herman H. Wagonfield. While the influence a man exerts in developing his community may not depend upon the length of time that he has spent therein as much as upon the quality of his service, naturally those who have spent longer years in a certain community have been able to contribute in greater degree than the more recent arrivals. Herman H. Wagonfield has indelibly inscribed his name among those who have been identified with the progress of Hanover township in an agricultural way during its greatest period of development, and at this time is the owner of a valuable and well-developed property of 135 acres. Mr. Wagonfield was born at Monroe, Butler county, Ohio, August 21, 1871, a son of Gottlieb and Mary (Silvers) Wagon field, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Butler county. The father was a young man when he emigrated to the United States, and took up his residence in Butler county, where he met and married Mrs. Mary (Silvers) Moore, widow of Thomas Moore, who had two children, Leander and Anderson, by her first marriage, both of these children now being deceased. After their marriage they located on a farm in Milford township, where they passed the remaining years of their lives, the father dying about 1906 and the mother passing away in 1897. They were the parents of three children: Charles F., who resides near Darrtown; William, who lives with his brother Herman; and Herman H. Herman H. Wagonfield was educated in the public schools of Darrtown, after leaving which he began to work for his father. He so continued until his marriage to Sarah Jane, daughter of George Bauman, whose other children were: Ella; Kate; Cora, deceased; Frank; George; and Clement, deceased. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wagonfield moved to a farm in Hanover township, a property which Mr. Wagon field rented for some years. In 1914, he changed his location to his present farm, which he purchased, a tract of 135 acres of fertile and productive land, where he has since been successfully engaged in general farming operations. His land is made more attractive and valuable by the modern improvements thereon, which include a handsome residence, commodious barns and substantial outbuildings, and the equipment is up-to-date throughout, including a complete Delco lighting system. Mr. Wagonfield is a practical farmer, who uses modern methods with intelligence and discretion,

and who has an excellent reputation for integrity and good citizenship in his community. He and the members of his family were very active in all war activities during the recent great struggle, and in numerous ways he has evidenced his desire to be of benefit to his community. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as a member of the board of trustees of Hanover township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagonfield: Mary, who married Martin Petry, of Oxford, and has one child, Wilma; and Myrtle, Howard, Herman G. and an infant, who reside with their parents.

Miss Anna Walter. Since the beginning of its connection with Butler county, the Walter family has been one which has added strength and solidity to the industries and institutions of this part of the Miami valley, its members having been people of industry, integrity and probity whose activities have been for the greater part confined to the arts of agriculture. A worthy representative of this old and honored name is found in Miss Anna Walter, who owns and conducts a valuable warm, the old home place in the vicinity of Jacksonboro, where she has passed her entire life. She was born on this farm, a daughter of John J. and Eleanor (Van Kirk) Walter, natives of Monmouth county, N. J., who came to Ohio at an early day, as young married people and took up their residence on what later came to be known as the Walter homestead. People of the highest ideals and of Christian character, they secured and held the unqualified respect and confidence of the people of the community, and when they passed away left many to mourn their loss. They were the parents of five children: Sarah, who became the wife of Henry Weaser and is now deceased; Garrett, who died when twenty-one months old; Miss Anna, of this notice; Nora, who became the wife of William Yager and is now deceased; and Schenck, deceased. Miss Anna Walter was given a public school education and in girlhood and young womanhood was carefully trained by her watchful and devoted mother in all the arts of domestic science. She proved a most dutiful and affectionate daughter to her parents, with whom she always remained, caring for their every want and nursing them devotedly during the period of their last illness. When her parents died her brother, Schenck Walter, took over the management of the home place, and when he, in turn, died, Miss Walter assumed control and has since conducted the property in a highly successful and profitable manner. As an assistant she has a capable and highly skilled farmer, John Allen Meredith, a member of a fine old family of the Miami valley, the Merediths having been pioneers of this region. Five uncles of Mr. Meredith fought as soldiers during the Civil war for the Union, and those bearing the name have always been upright and reliable citizens. Mr. Meredith is a self-educated man and one of intelligence, who has always taken an interest in the important and worthwhile questions of the day. He is a Republican in politics, and on a number of occasions has been chosen as judge of election. The Walter farm consists of 129 acres and is a well-cultivated and highly improved farm, where Miss Walter specializes in the raising of fine Jersey cattle. These animals

are well known throughout this section as being of a superior breed, and at the Greenville creamery, January 29, 1914, were awarded first prize. Miss Walter has been active in the movements of the Presbyterian church, of which she has been a lifelong member, and has also interested herself in other matters which have pertained to the welfare of the community as to its morals, religion and education. During her long residence here she has formed a wide acquaintance and her friends are numerous.

Peter K. Walter. One of the old and honored farmers of the Miami valley, Peter K. Walter, at the age of seventy years, is still actively engaged in carrying on operations on his fine property located in section 7, Madison township. Mr. Walter was born in a home on Main street, Middletown, Ohio, November 28, 1849, a son of William R. and Julia Ann (Van Kirk) Walter, natives of New Jersey. The parents were a young married couple when they first came to Butler county, and here settled at what was known as Jacktown, in Madison township, where the father established a small blacksmith shop. His skill and honesty soon won him public confidence and patronage and his business grew rapidly to large proportions, so that he established another shop at Middletown, and in all ran five fires, which was considered a large number for the time and locality. He shod all the horses for miles around, in addition to doing repair work on wagons and general blacksmith jobs, and formed a wide acquaintance. However, it had been his ambition to be a farmer, and in his later years he moved to Illinois, where he spent his last days in tilling the soil. His first wife died on the Illinois farm, leaving three children: Peter K.; Nathan S., who died in young manhood; and Weller, a woodworker who went to Decatur, Ill. Mr. Walter's second marriage was to Hannah Simms, who also died in Illinois, and they had three children: Benjamin, deceased; and William and Charley, who live in Decatur, Ill. Peter K. Walter received his education in the home schools of Butler county and grew up in this locality, where he assisted his father in the blacksmith shop and also worked on farms. When his parents went to Illinois he accompanied them, but in 1881 returned to Butler county, where he again became connected with agriculture. He was married March 12, 1884, to Miss Jennie Stover, of Middletown, a daughter of William and Nancy Ann (Orr) Stover, natives of this state who lived for the most part at Middletown, where Mr. Stover was variously employed. His death occurred there October 25, 1895, while Mrs. Stover still survives. There were two children in the Stover family: Mrs. Walter; and Laura, who married Jacob Shartle, of Middletown. Mr. and Mrs. Walter are the parents of five children: William S., a farmer of Montgomery county, who married Nellie Cooper; Charles E., operating his father's farm, married Clara Brelsfoard, and has one daughter, Muryl; Emma A., who married Lurton Roberts, a farmer, and has one daughter, Mabel; Clara V., who married Charles Brooks and has three daughters: Ruth, Jane and Julia Ann; and Ralph B., a farmer at home, who married Lucile Banker and has one son, Richard Eugene. After his marriage Mr. Walter located on the farm which he now

occupies and which is known as the old Garrett Schenck property, situated four miles west of Middletown, on section 7, Madison township. He has remodeled the brick house and added to it, as well as having made additions to the barn and installed numerous valuable improvements of different kinds. His is a fine home, and his 178-acre property is a model one, producing large crops of wheat, oats, corn and hay. He has mixed stock in horses and cattle, and under his capable direction and skilled management, all of the departments of the place are proving successful. It has always been his aim to farm in a modern way and to make the most of the improvements which are constantly elevating the vocation of farming into a science and which are bringing due recognition of the importance of the industry. Mr. Walter has been content to be a farmer and has never asked for public office nor cared therefor. He is a Democratic voter, and in that his activities in political and public life cease.

Charles H. Walther is numbered among the substantial representative farmers of Fairfield township, Butler county, where he is the owner of the old Groh farm of eighty acres, this being one of the well improved and specially attractive farm properties of the county. Mr. Walther knows at first hand the requirements for successful farm enterprise in Butler county, for he is a native of the county and here gained his initial experience in agricultural industry, on the old home farm of his father. He was born in Morgan township, February 7, 1884, and is a son of John B. and Emily (Hauser) Walther, concerning whom adequate mention is made on other pages, in the sketch of John B. Walther, jr. He whose name introduces this paragraph acquired his early education in the public schools at Shandon, and thereafter he found employment at farm work. On the 7th of October, 1911, was solemnized his marriage to Elizabeth Raithel, the elder of the two children of Christian and Anna (Hoffman) Raithel, of Ross township, where the father has long been a prosperous farmer. The younger of the Raithel children is John, who still remains at the parental home, where he is his father's associate in the work and management of the farm. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Walther established their home on their present farm, and here he has since conducted successful operations in well diversified agriculture and the raising of excellent types of live stock. Mr. and Mrs. Walther have three children: Stanley, Carl and Delmar, and also have a host of loyal friends in their native county. He is a Republican in politics and he and his wife are active members of the United Brethren church. During the World war they gave loyal support to the government's civil agencies for preparation for and upholding war activities, as well as the work of the Red Cross and other organizations whose services were of inestimable value during the critical war period. Fraternally Mr. Walther affiliates with the Hamilton lodge of Odd Fellows.

John B. Walther, jr. Fifty-one years of age and a native son of Ross township, Butler county, where he was born October 12, 1868, is an earnest and high-minded agriculturist and a sincere appreciator of the dignity and worth of his calling. John B. Walther the elder, the father of Mr. Walther, was born in Germany and as a young

man came to the United States and took up his residence at Cincinnati where he met and married Emma Hauser, who was born in Switzerland and was two years of age when brought to America by her parents, the latter of whom subsequently settled at White Oak, where she died. The parents of Mr. Walther located at Venice, where the father conducted a meat market for many years, but later retired to a farm near Shandon, where he now resides. Mrs. Walther died in 1911. They were the parents of these children: George, John B., Fred, Marshall, Charles, Lydia, Anna and Carrie. John B. Walther, jr., attended the common schools, and when he had completed his education began working as a farmhand by the month. He was married in 1897 to Sophia Delker, daughter of Jacob Delker, of Morgan township, Butler county, and following their union they moved to Cincinnati, where Mr. Walther was employed by the United States Express company for two and one-half years. Returning to farming at the end of that time, they located in Ross township, where Mr. Walther purchased his present tract, a property of 104 acres in 1914. This was formerly known as the old Belcher place, and is located two miles west of Venice on the Colerain township line. Mr. Walther has made this a modern farm with up-to-date improvements of all kinds, including a Delco lighting system throughout, and the improvements include also a commodious dwelling, large and well-arranged barns and out-buildings, well-kept fences and many carefully selected labor-saving devices. In his political belief Mr. Walther is a staunch Republican and his religious faith is that of the United Brethren church, to which also belong his wife and children. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. During the period of the war he subscribed generously to all war activities. Mr. and Mrs. Walther have the following children: Edna, a high school graduate who is now in her third year at Oxford college; Clayton, who is assisting his father in the work of the home farm; and Florence, Irene and Ada, who are all attending the high school at Venice.

Rev. Geo. C. Warvel, deceased, of Ross township, Butler county, Ohio, should be an inspiration to the young man reared on a farm who has not the prospects of a university education, but who is overflowing with ambition to enter one of the professions. The Rev. Warvel was at once a preacher and an agriculturist and it is interesting to note that he was a success in both callings and those familiar with the later history of Ross township can testify to the zeal and sterling traits of character of this man. He owes much to the fact that his progenitors were of the sturdy type that combines spiritual devotion with conscientious mundane labor. Born near Lebanon, Ohio, he was one of seven children of John Christopher and Lillie Warvel, the father having been a native of Rockingham county, Va., and his wife was born in Germany. The couple were married in Virginia and came by wagon to Warren county, Ohio, settling on the place where George C. was born. They later moved to Darke county, Ohio, where Mr. Warvel purchased a farm and operated it successfully until his death. Their children, besides George C., were:

John, deceased, who was a farmer and county commissioner of Darke county, Ohio; William, a farmer, who also lived in Darke county; Daniel, a Darke county farmer; Mary, who became the wife of Daniel Hartswel of Darke county; Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Beam of Darke county, and Margaret, who is also married. The early education of George C. Warvel was limited and as he was ambitious and of studious inclination, he developed into an omnivorous reader and became familiar with the standard works of literature. He prepared himself sufficiently to be received into the ministry of the United Brethren church and was a successful preacher for forty years. During this long period he labored faithfully and assiduously among his flock and was beloved by all as a man of high intellectual attainments and noble traits of character. He married Margaret Ellen Oliver of Darke county, who was the widow of William Johns and the mother of one child. He married a second time, Elizabeth Anna Pottinger, widow of Robert A. Wheat, and daughter of John and Sarah Pottinger of Hamilton, Ohio. After their marriage the Rev. Warvel and wife went to housekeeping at Mt. Healthy, Ohio, and later moved to Darke county, Ohio, where the couple lived on a farm for a time. later moving to a farm near Miltonville, Ohio. He was commissioned a captain in the Civil war and chaplain. He was in Co. E., 167th Regiment in the One Hundred-Day service. In the spring of 1877 he came to Ross township and bought the 100 acre farm which his son and daughter are now occupying. He passed away here at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife died in 1899 at the age of seventy-three years. Rev. Warvel had five children by his second wife, two of whom are living: Orien Clayton, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, and Lizzie May, born in Miltonville, Ohio, January 2, 1862. The children were educated in the home schools and always lived with the parents. They still own the old farm and are carrying on general farming, raising small fruit and vegetables which they market at Hamilton as well as operating a dairy in all of which they have been very successful.